The Medical Doctor In-Charge of General Hospital, Nri, Dr. Livinus Chukwuma has cautioned that diabetes mellitus can lead to blindness and called for regular medical checkups.
He made the observation while fielding questions from health correspondents last week in his office at Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
He described diabetes mellitus as a common metabolic disease that could result in too much sugar in the bloodstream accompanied by frequent urination.
“The process begins when we eat food and try to digest it; this triggers the secretion of insulin from the pancreas”.
“This, then, goes round the entire body and stimulates the receptors which open up channels and take the sugar circulation into the system”.
“There are situations when sugar stored cannot be utilized by the body due to insufficient insulin in the body. This is where the problem starts,’’ Chukwuma explained.
Chukwuma classified diabetes into type 1 and type 2. In Type 1 diabetes, there is absolutely a lack of insulin, while in type 2 there is relative lack of insulin; this means it is there, but not enough.
“Diabetes has its complications, when they come, it can be devastating. It is a major cause of blindness, and can adversely affect every part of the body”.
“The sugar goes to the lens, prevents light from passing to the retina; obstructs the blood vessels and making them non receptive”.
“It can affect every other nerve, including that of hearing and may result in deafness. Cardiovascular system, the heart, the kidney and the blood system are most affected,’’ he said.
Chukwuma noted that when the blood vessels were disrupted and could no longer carry out their job, they would start absorbing the sugar.
Chukwuma called on the state government to subsidise the cost of screening, managing and treatment of diabetic patients in Government hospitals.
Those that are already diabetic, he advised them to take their medications regularly.
