Diabetes among top leading cause of illness, death in Kalinga

Tabuk City, Kalinga - The Provincial Health Office (PHO) is reminding the public to watch their health and tune up their diet, exercise regularly, avoid excessive alcohol intake, and possibly quit smoking to prevent health complications from diabetes.

During the radio program of the Office of the Governor, Frances Regie Ramirez of the PHO informed that diabetes is one of the top leading causes of illness and death in the province.

For the year 2020, around 227 were reported to be diabetic and 8 of the cases died.

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high.

As Ramirez cited, the normal blood sugar count is ranging from 70 to 110 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter).

Diabetes Risk Factors

Ramirez explained that among the contributory factors of developing diabetes is that it could be inherited. This means a person has a greater chance of developing diabetes if the family has a history of said sickness.

Physical inactivity, obesity, and hypertension could also lead to diabetes since less active individuals have a greater risk of having diabetes.

The risk also increases as a person gets older. Older adults are at high risk for the development of diabetes due to the combined effects of increasing insulin resistance and impaired pancreatic islet function with aging.

Prevention and avoid complications of diabetes

Ramirez said that “diabetes can be prevented” if a person will observe a healthy lifestyle.

A healthy lifestyle, she said, aside from preventing diabetes could also lower the chance of developing cardiovascular disease.

Eating a balanced diet and reducing intake of sugary or overly processed foods have a big impact on reducing the risk of diabetes. A balanced diet necessitates the intake of a variety of foods from groups of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein such as meat, eggs, fish, beans, nuts, and legumes.

Exercising regularly can likewise help in managing blood sugar levels and weight. Ramirez suggested at least 30 minutes to 1-hour exercise, may it be walking, jogging or biking can help.

Above all, “vices such as excessive alcohol and smoking must be avoided.” For those who drink alcohol, the key is to keep consumption in the moderate range, as higher amounts of alcohol could increase diabetes risk.

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