November 12, 2024
Understanding Diabetes: A Growing Concern in Sri Lanka
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that happens when the body’s blood sugar is too high. It is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar (glucose). It occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin or when your body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
There are three main types of diabetes:
1. Type 1 Diabetes: The body doesn't produce insulin - often diagnosed in childhood.
2. Type 2 Diabetes: The body doesn't use insulin effectively - commonly linked to lifestyle.
3. Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy and can affect both mother and child.
Why is Diabetes on the Rise in Sri Lanka?
In Sri Lanka, diabetes is a growing concern, with lifestyle factors like high-carbohydrate diets, limited physical activity, and stress contributing to its prevalence.
Sri Lankan lifestyles have undergone a significant shift in recent decades. Traditional meals, often rich in natural fiber and low in sugar, have been replaced by high-carb and processed foods. Physical activity has also decreased due to sedentary jobs and urbanization. These factors, combined with stress and genetic predisposition, have made diabetes a common health issue.
