World Diabetes Day: How Family Members Can Help Manage Ailment

Diabetes has become a critical global health issue that is difficult for many to manage.

According to the World Health Organisation, the chronic disease is caused by the body’s inability to produce required amounts of insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar) or to efficiently use the insulin it produces.

Research conducted between 1985 and 2016 by Dr Davies Adeloye, from Covenant University in Ogun State found that about 4.7 million Nigerians aged between 20 and 79 years had type 2 diabetes.

When someone in your family is newly diagnosed with the diseases they may feel surprised and upset. Most a times they slip into a period of grief, denial, and depression of being alone.

But in an interview with TheWhistler a medical expert, Dr. Daniel Mfon says when a diagnosis is done all families are potentially affected by diabetes.

Highlighting family member’s role in prevention, care, and education of diabetes, Umoren said everyone in the family should get tested irrespective of age.

He further advised that the support shown to patient by family members can help immensely in the fight against diabetes.

“Patients need to be encouraged by their family to continue with their lifestyle modification, dietary modification and comply with medication.

“Encourage them also to stick with their hospital visits and appointments” the doctor advised.

To prevent further diagnosis, Umoren urged family members to follow the same healthy food and fitness plan as their loved one.

 “Family meals should be healthy with little or no refined sugar, “he said adding that it is vital for a healthy family lifestyle.