Thank you for joining us today. I'm here to educate us on a very common but serious condition — diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide, including many here in our own community. But the good news is that it can be prevented, managed, and its complications reduced if we act early and wisely.
2. What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high.
Glucose is your body’s main source of energy, and it comes from the food you eat.
Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose get into your cells to be used for energy.
Sometimes your body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use it well, and glucose stays in your blood — this is diabetes.
3. Types of Diabetes
There are three main types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes
Usually diagnosed in children and young adults.
The body makes little or no insulin.
Requires insulin injections for life.
Type 2 Diabetes
Most common type.
Usually in adults, but now seen in children due to poor lifestyle.
The body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t make enough.
Often linked to obesity, poor diet, and inactivity.
Gestational Diabetes
Occurs during pregnancy.
Usually disappears after birth, but increases the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
4. Symptoms of Diabetes
Some common symptoms include:
Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Extreme hunger
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow healing of wounds
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
> Sometimes, especially in type 2 diabetes, there may be no symptoms at all in the early stages!
5. Risk Factors
Family history of diabetes
Overweight or obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Unhealthy eating habits
High blood pressure or high cholesterol
Age above 40 (though type 2 is now seen earlier)
History of gestational Diabetes
6. Complications of Uncontrolled Diabetes
If not managed well, diabetes can lead to:
Heart disease and stroke
Kidney failure
Vision problems or blindness
Nerve damage
Amputations
Infections and poor wound healing
7. Prevention and Management
For Prevention (especially Type 2):
Maintain a healthy weight
Eat a balanced diet (high in fiber, low in sugar and fat)
Exercise regularly — at least 30 minutes a day
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
Get regular checkups and screenings
For Management:
Monitor blood sugar regularly
Take medications or insulin as prescribed
Follow dietary and exercise plans
Attend medical appointments
Manage stress and mental health
8. Healthy Eating Tips
Choose whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
Avoid sugary drinks and snacks
Eat smaller, more frequent meals
Read food labels
Control portion sizes
9. Myths vs. Facts
Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.
Fact: While sugar can contribute to weight gain and risk, it’s not the only cause.
Myth: People with diabetes can’t eat sweets.
Fact: They can, in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
Myth: Diabetes is not serious.
Fact: It can cause severe complications if unmanaged.
10. Conclusion
Diabetes is a growing health concern, but it can be prevented, managed, and controlled with the right lifestyle choices and medical care.
Let’s make healthy living a priority — for ourselves and our families.
11. Q&A Session
Do you have any questions about diabetes, its symptoms, or how to stay healthy?
Eunice
7 hrs ago1. Introduction
Good [morning/afternoon], everyone.
Thank you for joining us today. I'm here to educate us on a very common but serious condition — diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide, including many here in our own community. But the good news is that it can be prevented, managed, and its complications reduced if we act early and wisely.
2. What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high.
Glucose is your body’s main source of energy, and it comes from the food you eat.
Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose get into your cells to be used for energy.
Sometimes your body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use it well, and glucose stays in your blood — this is diabetes.
3. Types of Diabetes
There are three main types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes
Usually diagnosed in children and young adults.
The body makes little or no insulin.
Requires insulin injections for life.
Type 2 Diabetes
Most common type.
Usually in adults, but now seen in children due to poor lifestyle.
The body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t make enough.
Often linked to obesity, poor diet, and inactivity.
Gestational Diabetes
Occurs during pregnancy.
Usually disappears after birth, but increases the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
4. Symptoms of Diabetes
Some common symptoms include:
Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Extreme hunger
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow healing of wounds
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
> Sometimes, especially in type 2 diabetes, there may be no symptoms at all in the early stages!
5. Risk Factors
Family history of diabetes
Overweight or obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Unhealthy eating habits
High blood pressure or high cholesterol
Age above 40 (though type 2 is now seen earlier)
History of gestational Diabetes
6. Complications of Uncontrolled Diabetes
If not managed well, diabetes can lead to:
Heart disease and stroke
Kidney failure
Vision problems or blindness
Nerve damage
Amputations
Infections and poor wound healing
7. Prevention and Management
For Prevention (especially Type 2):
Maintain a healthy weight
Eat a balanced diet (high in fiber, low in sugar and fat)
Exercise regularly — at least 30 minutes a day
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
Get regular checkups and screenings
For Management:
Monitor blood sugar regularly
Take medications or insulin as prescribed
Follow dietary and exercise plans
Attend medical appointments
Manage stress and mental health
8. Healthy Eating Tips
Choose whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
Avoid sugary drinks and snacks
Eat smaller, more frequent meals
Read food labels
Control portion sizes
9. Myths vs. Facts
Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.
Fact: While sugar can contribute to weight gain and risk, it’s not the only cause.
Myth: People with diabetes can’t eat sweets.
Fact: They can, in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
Myth: Diabetes is not serious.
Fact: It can cause severe complications if unmanaged.
10. Conclusion
Diabetes is a growing health concern, but it can be prevented, managed, and controlled with the right lifestyle choices and medical care.
Let’s make healthy living a priority — for ourselves and our families.
11. Q&A Session
Do you have any questions about diabetes, its symptoms, or how to stay healthy?