Men’s Health Week 2018 is tackling the diabetes health crisis in men. This is because men are more likely to get diabetes than their female counterparts. Furthermore, they are more likely to suffer from complications such as leg amputation and more likely to die from the condition.
Did you know that?
- One in 10 men in the UK have diabetes.
- In middle-aged men diabetes there is an expected increase sharply in frequency over the next 20 years.
- 9.6% of men have type 1 or type 2 diabetes vs. 7.6% of women.
- Men are more likely to suffer from diabetic retinopathy, foot ulcers and to have a foot amputation. 69.6% of those presenting with a foot ulcer are men. Men are more than twice as likely to have a major amputation.
- Men are more likely to die, and to die prematurely, as a result of diabetes.
- Frequent toilet visits, especially at night.
- Being really thirsty.
- Feeling more tired than usual.
- Losing weight without trying to.
- Cuts and wounds take longer to heal.
- Blurred vision.
Type 1 diabetes can develop quickly over the course of weeks or even days. However, many people have type 2 diabetes for years without a diagnosis as the symptoms are general.
Diabetes management
The Men’s Health Forum discuss how the sex inequalities in diabetes is not recognised by health policymakers or practitioners. More attention must urgently be paid to engaging men in diabetes prevention, early diagnosis and improving care and treatment delivery.
Food
The type of food you eat can affect your blood sugar levels in different ways. Therefore, when you receive a diabetes diagnosis, you should monitor your food intake. Carbohydrates can have a big impact on blood sugar levels and affect those taking doses of insulin. Learn what portion sizes are appropriate for each food type, make meals well-balanced and avoid sugar-sweetened beverages.
Exercise
Physical activity plays an important part in diabetes management as regular exercise helps your body use insulin more efficiently. Your doctor can help to determine an appropriate exercise plan for you and discuss what your blood sugar levels need to be at before working out.
Read more: The best exercises for your heart
Know your numbers
Utilising a blood glucose monitor can help to manage diabetes as testing your blood before and after a meal can demonstrate how blood sugar levels can fluctuate. If you record your blood sugar levels can help you draw conclusions on what foods are best for your levels. Furthermore, how exercise affects them and dosage decision for those taking insulin.
In the UK 3.5 million people are estimated to have been diagnosed with diabetes. However, it is estimated that there are over 1.1 million people living with diabetes in the UK without a diagnosis. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness of diabetes and the potential health risks of the disease. Providing Health Assessments can give employees an overview on their health now and what lifestyle changes need to be made to become healthier.
If you are interested in providing wellness solutions to your employees, please contact Incorpore on sales@incorpore.co.uk.
