Japanese encephalitis

What is diabetes mellitus?
The pancreas produces a hormone known as insulin that controls blood glucose level. When insulin production is insufficient or when insulin does not function properly, glucose cannot be converted into energy we need. This results in increased blood glucose level and the extra glucose will be excreted in urine, a condition known as diabetes mellitus (or diabetes in short).

Types of diabetes mellitus
--Type I diabetes mellitus
This condition is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in which damaged insulin producing cells of the pancreas render it unable to produce insulin. This type of diabetes is related to hereditary factors, disorders of the immune system or environmental factors.
--Type II diabetes mellitus
This condition is also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. This is the commonest type of diabetes in which insulin does not function properly despite the normal or relatively slightly lowered level. This type of diabetes mellitus is due to the resistance to insulin inside the body. It is also related to hereditary factors, unhealthy eating habits, obesity or lack of physical activity.

Who are more at risk?
--Hereditary factors: Those with a family history of diabetes mellitus are more at risk.
--Obesity (particularly those with abdominal fat deposit).
--People who are middle-aged or above.
--Women who have suffered from diabetes during pregnancy or who have given birth to big babies. (Big baby refers to a baby heavier than 4 kg at birth.)
--Lack of physical activity.

Symptoms
--Frequent urination and increased amount of urine excretion.
--Frequent thirsty sensation.
--Easy fatigue.
--Increased appetite.
--Weight loss.
--Vulval itchiness due to yeast infections.
--Blurred vision due to retinopathy.
--Numbness, piercing pain or weakness of the legs.
--Wounds that are prone to infection and difficult to heal.

Prevention
--Have a balanced diet. Eat more food rich in fibre, such as vegetables, fruits, raw grains, wholemeal bread and brown rice.
--Parents should encourage children to eat healthily and discourage them from eating too much food with high-sugar or high-fat content.
--Do not over-eat because the surplus calories can lead to obesity.
--Take part in regular and moderate physical activity.
--Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease. In fact, many diabetic patients, especially those at the early stage of disease, do not have symptoms. Please seek medical advice if you are in doubt about your health.

Prevent the breeding of mosquitoes and avoid mosquito bites:

• Put all used cans and bottles into covered dustbins.
• Change water for plants at least once a week, leaving no water in the saucers underneath flowerpots.
• Cover tightly all water containers, wells and water storage tanks.
• Keep all drains free from blockage.
• Top up all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water.
• Use mosquito screens or nets when the room is not air-conditioned.
• Apply household pesticide to kill adult mosquito with a dosage according to the label instructions. Do not spray the pesticides directly against functioning electrical appliances or flame to avoid explosion.
• Place mosquito coil or electric mosquito mat / liquid near possible entrance, such as window, to prevent mosquito bites.
• If you notice any mosquito breeding sites in public places, you may call the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Hotline at 2868 0000.
  

Source of references: Department of Health
Enquiry Hotline: 2833 0111
Website: www.dh.gov.hk
CT/No. 37 (5- 2004)