In recent years prevalence of diabetes has increased rapidly in our country. According to the Sri Lanka Diabetes Association
• Prevalence of diabetes in Sri Lankans aged ≥20 years is 10.3%
• Prevalence in the urban population is 16.4% and
• Prevalence in the rural population is 8.7%
• 50% of the affected people do not know that they have the disease.
There is an increased trend to develop diabetes in young people. Following criteria is used to diagnose diabetes and hyperglycemic conditions.
Test Range Diagnosis
Fasting blood sugar
< 110 mg/dL Normal
111-125 mg/dL Impaired Fasting glycemia
>/= 126 mg/dL Diabetes
Oral glucose tolerance test
< 140 mg/dL Normal
141-199 mg/dL Impaired glucose tolerance
=/>200 mg/dL Diabetes
What happens in the body?
Our cells need glucose and the hormone insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose by the cells. In diabetes cells cannot uptake glucose due to absence or malfunction of insulin thereby accumulating glucose in the blood. When blood glucose level is two high, it damages the small blood vessels leading to organ failure.
There are two types of diabetes
Type 1- Do not produce Insulin therefore administration of insulin is a must
Type 2- Body produces Insulin but lack in function.
It has been found that Type 2 diabetes is preventable or delayed up to 80% by changing the lifestyle.
Obesity, inactivity and the unhealthy diet are well-known but adjustable risk factors of diabetes.
How to prevent diabetes
• Weight control
If you are not an athlete in general higher body weight means higher body fat that may affect the function of insulin.
Body mass index (BMI) gives a better idea of fatness
Calculate your Body mass index (BMI), it should be 23kg/m2 or lower for healthy life
Weigh your self in Kg and measure your height in meters
BMI= Weight in Kg
(Height in meters) 2
• Physical activity
Physical activities improve the glucose uptake by the cells
Engage in physical activities for more than 20 minutes for 3-4 times a week
• Diet
Reduce consumption of refined foods such as white bread. Replace them with fiber rich foods like whole meal bread, rice, fruits and vegetables. Replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats such as canola, sunflower, olive etc.
• Prevalence of diabetes in Sri Lankans aged ≥20 years is 10.3%
• Prevalence in the urban population is 16.4% and
• Prevalence in the rural population is 8.7%
• 50% of the affected people do not know that they have the disease.
There is an increased trend to develop diabetes in young people. Following criteria is used to diagnose diabetes and hyperglycemic conditions.
Test Range Diagnosis
Fasting blood sugar
< 110 mg/dL Normal
111-125 mg/dL Impaired Fasting glycemia
>/= 126 mg/dL Diabetes
Oral glucose tolerance test
< 140 mg/dL Normal
141-199 mg/dL Impaired glucose tolerance
=/>200 mg/dL Diabetes
What happens in the body?
Our cells need glucose and the hormone insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose by the cells. In diabetes cells cannot uptake glucose due to absence or malfunction of insulin thereby accumulating glucose in the blood. When blood glucose level is two high, it damages the small blood vessels leading to organ failure.
There are two types of diabetes
Type 1- Do not produce Insulin therefore administration of insulin is a must
Type 2- Body produces Insulin but lack in function.
It has been found that Type 2 diabetes is preventable or delayed up to 80% by changing the lifestyle.
Obesity, inactivity and the unhealthy diet are well-known but adjustable risk factors of diabetes.
How to prevent diabetes
• Weight control
If you are not an athlete in general higher body weight means higher body fat that may affect the function of insulin.
Body mass index (BMI) gives a better idea of fatness
Calculate your Body mass index (BMI), it should be 23kg/m2 or lower for healthy life
Weigh your self in Kg and measure your height in meters
BMI= Weight in Kg
(Height in meters) 2
• Physical activity
Physical activities improve the glucose uptake by the cells
Engage in physical activities for more than 20 minutes for 3-4 times a week
• Diet
Reduce consumption of refined foods such as white bread. Replace them with fiber rich foods like whole meal bread, rice, fruits and vegetables. Replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats such as canola, sunflower, olive etc.
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