Graceland Diabetes Foundation

11/06/2026

09/06/2026

Chose wisely

08/06/2026

Diabetes awareness campaign

04/06/2026

Sugar & Your Immunity

Too much sugar doesn’t just affect your waistline it can also weaken your body’s natural defense system. When you consume excess sugar, your white blood cells, the brave warriors that fight off harmful germs, become less effective. This means your body may struggle to fend off infections and recover quickly from illness.

Why It Matters
A high‑sugar diet can:
Reduce immune strength
Increase vulnerability to infections
Slow down healing
Drain your energy

Choose Wellness
Opt for whole foods, fresh fruits, and balanced meals rich in vitamins. Stay active, drink plenty of water, and give your immune system the support it deserves.

Graceland Diabetes Foundation
Empowering healthier choices for a stronger tomorrow.

03/06/2026

To have a fasting blood sugar test done, three basic conditions must be fulfilled.

1). No food including drinks except water before blood sample collection.

2). Anti diabetic drugs must not be taken before blood sample collection.

3). You must have fasted 10-12 hours overnight that is 10-12 hrs before the morning (8am-10am) blood sample is to be taken.

After 10am, that's an extended fast.
11am, extended fast.
, that becomes a random blood sugar (RBS) sample collection.

A fasting blood sugar level less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) is normal. A fasting blood sugar level from 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) is considered prediabetes. If it's 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests, you have diabetes.

Best wishes to everyone.

03/06/2026

Diabetes itself is not a death sentence. What often leads to serious outcomes are the complications that arise when blood sugar isn’t managed properly, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, or vision loss. That’s why diabetes education is so critical it empowers people to take control of their health and prevent these complications.

Here are some key pillars of effective diabetes education

Blood sugar monitoring: Learning how to check and interpret glucose levels helps patients make informed daily decisions.

Healthy eating: Understanding how food affects blood sugar is essential for long-term control.

Physical activity: Regular movement improves insulin sensitivity and reduces risks of complications.

Medication adherence: Knowing how and why to take prescribed medications prevents dangerous spikes or drops.

Complication awareness: Recognizing early warning signs of issues like foot ulcers or vision changes can save lives.

Mental health support: Coping with the emotional side of diabetes is just as important as managing the physical aspects.

In short, education transforms diabetes from something frightening into something manageable. With the right knowledge, people can live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

02/06/2026

Ways to help prevent Type2 Diabetes:

1. Cut down Sugar and Carbohydrate carbs from your diet.
2. Perform Physical Activity/Exercises on a regular basis.
3. Drink Lots of Water as your primary Beverage.
4. Lose Weight because visceral fat promotes insulin resistance and inflammation.
5. Watch portion sizes, avoid eating too much at one time
6. Eat Low Carbs diets.
7. Avoid Sedentary behaviours like excessive sitting: Get up and take a walk from your desk for 3minutes every hour.
8. Eat a High Fibre Diet from a good source
9. Quit Smoking and avoid exposure to second hand smoke
10. Optimise Vitamin D levels which is important for blood sugar control by sun exposure, taking Cod Liver oil and natural supplements.
11. Reduce intake of Processed packaged Foods which are high in oil, additives and preservatives.
12. Drink Coffee, Lipton or Green tea regularly: Coffee and tea have antioxidants called Polyphenols that protect against Diabetes.
Green tea contains a unique antioxidant called Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which reduces blood sugar release from the liver and increases Insulin sensitivity.
13. Use Natural Spices like Garlic and Tumeric for Cooking: studies have shown that Curcumicin, a component of tumeric one of the main ingredients in Curry has very strong antiinflammatory properties, reduce Insulin resistance and risk of Diabetes Progression.

02/06/2026

SUSPECTED SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES

Here are the suspected signs and symptoms of diabetes:

Common Symptoms:

1.Increased Thirst and Hunger: When there is too much glucose in the blood, the body tries to flush it out by producing more urine, which can lead to dehydration.

2.Frequent Urination: With high blood sugar levels, the kidneys produce more urine to try to remove excess glucose from the body.

3.Fatigue: High blood sugar levels can cause fatigue, weakness, and a lack of energy.

4.Blurred Vision: High blood sugar levels can cause the lens in the eye to swell, leading to blurred vision.

5.Slow Healing of Cuts and Wounds: High blood sugar levels can affect the body's ability to heal wounds.

6.Tingling or Numbness in Hands and Feet: High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves, causing tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.

Less Common Symptoms:

1.Recurring Skin, Gum, or Bladder Infections: People with diabetes are more prone to infections.

2.Fluctuations in Blood Pressure: High blood sugar levels can cause blood pressure to fluctuate.

3.Rapid Weight Loss: High blood sugar levels can cause weight loss, even if you're eating normally.

4.Confusion or Disorientation: Severe high blood sugar levels can cause confusion or disorientation.

5.Yeast Infections: Women with diabetes are more prone to yeast infections.

Symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA):

1.Nausea and Vomiting
2.Abdominal Pain
3.Rapid Breathing
4.Flushing
5.Fruity-Smelling Breath

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar):

1.Shaking or Trembling
2.Sweating
3.Dizziness or Lightheadedness
4.Hunger
5.Irritability or Confusion

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

02/06/2026

GESTATIONAL DIABETES

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, typically between 24 and 28 weeks. Here's an overview:

What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a condition where the body becomes less sensitive to insulin during pregnancy, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Causes and Risk Factors:

1.Hormonal Changes: During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that can block insulin.

2.Insulin Resistance: The body's cells become less responsive to insulin.

3.Genetics: Family history of diabetes or gestational diabetes.

4.Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk.

5.Age: Women over 35 years old are at higher risk.

6.Previous History: Previous history of gestational diabetes or delivering a large baby.

Symptoms:

1.Increased Thirst and Urination
2.Fatigue
3.Blurred Vision
4.Frequent Infections
5.Slow Healing of Cuts and Wounds

Complications:

1.Large Birth Weight: Babies may be larger than average.

2.Premature Birth: Babies may be born prematurely.

3.Respiratory Distress: Babies may experience respiratory problems.

4.Hypoglycemia: Babies may experience low blood sugar.

5.Increased Risk of C-Section: Women with gestational diabetes may require a C-section.

Diagnosis:

1.Glucose Screening Test: A routine test between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

2.Glucose Tolerance Test: A follow-up test to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:

1.Dietary Changes: Healthy eating habits, such as increased fiber and protein.

2.Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as walking or swimming.

3.Insulin Therapy: Insulin injections may be necessary to control blood sugar levels.

4.Monitoring Blood Sugar: Regular blood sugar checks to ensure levels are within target range.

Prevention:

1.Maintain a Healthy Weight: Before and during pregnancy.

2.Exercise Regularly: Engage in moderate physical activity.

3.Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods.

Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. However, with proper management and care, women with gestational diabetes can have a healthy pregnancy and reduce their risk of future health complications.