A chronic condition of high blood sugar. Type 1 requires insulin. Type 2 is managed with lifestyle and medication. Both require daily attention. Poorly controlled diabetes causes blindness, kidney failure, amputation, and early death — all largely preventable.
Know your target blood sugar ranges. Fasting (before meals): 4.0 to 7.0 mmol/L. Two hours after meals: below 10 mmol/L. These targets reduce the risk of complications.
Take medication as prescribed every day. For Type 1: insulin must not be missed — it is life-sustaining. For Type 2: metformin and other tablets must be taken consistently.
Monitor blood sugar regularly if a glucometer is available. Keep a log of readings. High readings (above 14 mmol/L consistently) and low readings (below 4 mmol/L) both need action.
HYPOGLYCAEMIA (low blood sugar — below 4 mmol/L): symptoms include shaking, sweating, confusion, weakness, hunger, and palpitations. Treat immediately with 15 to 20g of fast-acting sugar — 4 glucose tablets, half a cup of juice, 3 teaspoons of sugar dissolved in water. Recheck after 15 minutes.
HYPERGLYCAEMIA (high blood sugar — above 14 mmol/L): symptoms include frequent urination, extreme thirst, blurred vision, fatigue. Drink water. Take medication as prescribed. If above 20 mmol/L with vomiting — go to hospital.
Foot care is critical. Inspect both feet daily for any cut, blister, or sore — diabetes reduces sensation so injuries are not felt. Wash with warm water, dry between toes, moisturise. Wear shoes at all times. Never walk barefoot.
Diet: reduce refined carbohydrates — white rice, white bread, sugar, soft drinks. Eat more vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Eat smaller portions more frequently.
Exercise regularly — walking 30 minutes daily improves insulin sensitivity significantly.
Attend all follow-up appointments. HbA1c blood test every 3 months. Annual eye check. Annual kidney function and urine test. Annual foot examination.
Blood sugar below 2.8 mmol/L or unconsciousness from low blood sugar — glucagon injection or intravenous glucose urgently.
Blood sugar consistently above 20 mmol/L with vomiting — possible diabetic ketoacidosis.
Fruity-smelling breath, rapid breathing, vomiting, and confusion — diabetic ketoacidosis, emergency.
Any foot wound, ulcer, or infection in a diabetic — urgent medical attention.
Sudden vision loss.
Chest pain in a diabetic — higher risk of silent heart attack.
Never skip insulin if you have Type 1 diabetes — even if unwell and not eating. Adjust the dose but never stop completely without medical guidance.
Never drive or operate machinery if your blood sugar is low.
Any foot injury in a diabetic is a medical emergency — infections spread extremely fast due to reduced circulation and immunity.
Illness significantly raises blood sugar — monitor more frequently when sick.
✓ What Helps
· Metformin 500mg to 1000mg twice daily — first-line for Type 2 diabetes
· Glucometer and test strips for home monitoring
· Glucose tablets or gel for treating hypoglycaemia episodes
✗ What To Avoid
· Sugary drinks, white bread, white rice, and processed foods
· Skipping meals — causes dangerous blood sugar drops on medication
· Alcohol on an empty stomach — severe hypoglycaemia risk
→ Ask The Pharmacist For
· HbA1c blood test every 3 months
· Insulin and appropriate needles for Type 1 diabetes
· Referral to diabetic clinic for specialist management
🏥 Get Professional Help
Go to hospital immediately for unconsciousness from low blood sugar, blood sugar above 20 with vomiting, fruity breath with confusion, or any foot wound or infection. See your doctor every 3 months for routine diabetes review.
What do I do if my blood sugar is very low and I feel shaky?
Eat or drink fast-acting sugar immediately — 3 teaspoons of sugar in water, half a cup of fruit juice, or glucose tablets. Sit down. Recheck after 15 minutes. If you cannot swallow or lose consciousness, this is an emergency — someone must get medical help immediately.
Can Type 2 diabetes be reversed?
In early stages, significant weight loss, dietary change, and exercise can bring blood sugar to normal levels without medication in some people. This is not a cure but a remission. Vigilance must continue.
I have a small cut on my foot — do I need to see a doctor?
Yes. Any foot wound in a diabetic needs medical assessment within 24 hours. Diabetic foot infections spread and worsen much faster than in non-diabetics and can lead to amputation if not treated promptly.