In an insightful interview with IGIHE, Dr. Eldirdiri Osman Ali, a medical expert from Baho International Hospital, shared valuable knowledge about the types, causes, symptoms, and management of diabetes.

The diabetologist’s expertise sheds light on how early recognition and lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in combating this pervasive disease.

Dr. Ali began by distinguishing between the two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 2 diabetes, he noted, accounts for approximately 90% of cases worldwide, making it the predominant form.

This condition arises when the body either fails to produce sufficient insulin—a hormone essential for transporting sugar into cells—or becomes insensitive to insulin, impairing sugar metabolism.

The result is a cascade of health issues that can affect nearly every organ in the body, from the heart and kidneys to the eyes, feet, and nervous system. Beyond physical complications, diabetes can also take a toll on mental health and interpersonal relationships, underscoring its far-reaching consequences.

The causes of diabetes, as Dr. Ali explained, are multifaceted, with lifestyle playing a central role. Obesity, lack of physical activity, and a sedentary lifestyle are major contributors, particularly when coupled with excessive abdominal fat, which triggers inflammation throughout the body. Hereditary factors also increase susceptibility, meaning individuals with a family history of diabetes are at higher risk.

Other risk factors include gestational diabetes during pregnancy, certain ovarian conditions, and the use of medications like steroids, which can induce the condition. Dr. Ali emphasized that these factors, while diverse, often converge on one key issue: lifestyle choices.

Recognizing diabetes early is crucial to preventing its severe complications, which include heart attacks, kidney failure, blindness, non-healing wounds, and neurological issues.

Dr. Ali highlighted common symptoms that should prompt a visit to the doctor: excessive thirst, frequent urination (especially at night), blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, and persistent fatigue.

Alarmingly, some individuals remain unaware of their condition until a major complication, such as a heart attack, reveals it.

“If you delay diabetes for five years without knowing, that’s when complications arise,” Dr. Ali warned, stressing that while early-stage diabetes is manageable, reversing complications is far more challenging.

Prevention and management, according to Dr. Ali, hinge on proactive lifestyle changes. He advocated for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking five times a week, describing it as a simple, cost-effective way to reduce risk.

Dietary adjustments are equally important: avoiding sugary foods, white bread, rice, and fizzy drinks while prioritizing vegetables, beans, and lean meats can significantly improve health outcomes.

Smoking cessation and minimal alcohol consumption further support prevention efforts. For those already diagnosed, controlling blood sugar through regular testing, adherence to prescribed medications, and exercise is paramount.

Dr. Ali underscored the importance of exercise, noting that it constitutes “50% of the treatment” for diabetes, complementing the effects of medications.

Treatment approaches vary depending on the severity of the condition. Initial management often involves Metformin, a tablet taken once or twice daily, with additional drugs introduced if blood sugar levels remain high.

In advanced cases, where the pancreas no longer produces insulin, injections become necessary. Dr. Ali emphasized the role of regular check-ups and tests like glycated hemoglobin, which provide a three-month snapshot of blood sugar control, guiding treatment decisions.

Dr. Eldirdiri Osman Ali, a medical expert from Baho International Hospital, shared valuable knowledge about the types, causes, symptoms, and management of diabetes.