Sadly, diabetes is highly prevalent in Kuwait, with studies indicating that the country has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world, affecting over 15% of the adult population due to factors such as lifestyle, diet, and genetic predisposition. Managing the disease can be a complex and challenging journey, but having the right guidance makes all the difference. In this conversation with Dr. Thamer Alessa, we explore essential insights into diabetes care, including understanding the condition, managing blood sugar levels, medication options, lifestyle changes, and tips for long-term health. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for years, this discussion offers valuable information to help you take control of your health and navigate your diabetes journey with confidence.
Dr. Thamer Alessa is a consultant physician in the field Diabetes and Endocrinology which deals with diabetes disease and the disorders of the hormonal system. “What attracted me towards my current specialty is the mechanism of body hormones. They are fascinating in their actions. We have many hormones in our bodies, produced for multiple organs we call them glands. Those hormones have actions on multiple organs and can control multiple body functions and parameters including blood pressure, body weight, metabolism and glucose as well which is main culprit in the disease of diabetes,” he explains.
Diabetes means that the body cannot utilize glucose, what medical professionals call sugar, as fuel for cells. This causes elevated glucose levels in the blood and if not treated will cause multiple symptoms and complications.
Diabetes can be divided into four major types. Type 1 diabetes occurs in children and teenagers and is caused by a lack of insulin production from the pancreas where insulin is naturally produced. Unfortunately, this is still an incurable condition and can only be controlled by the use of insulin for life.
Type 2 diabetes typically occurs in adults and is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, people with Type 2 diabetes often have normal or even higher levels of insulin production, though insulin levels may decrease over time. The condition develops primarily due to insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin, preventing proper blood sugar regulation. This resistance is commonly linked to factors such as obesity, excessive carbohydrate intake, and lack of physical activity. Genetics also play a significant role in the development of Type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, lifestyle changes like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and weight loss can improve this condition. There are also various treatment options available, including oral medications and injectable therapies. Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form of diabetes worldwide.
There is also gestational diabetes, which only occurs during pregnancy due to excess pregnancy hormones that also work to increase insulin resistance and elevate the blood sugar until end of pregnancy. Fortunately, treatment as well is temporary, whether by diet, pills or even insulin. There are also some rare genetic types of diabetes which are uncommon or even rare to happen.
Despite the prevalence of the disease, there are still many misconceptions around it. Many people continue to believe that Type1 is a temporary condition or that using insulin could be harmful. Insulin therapy is the only effective treatment for managing Type 1 diabetes. For various types of diabetes, there is a common belief that changing one’s diet, using herbs, or consuming other natural products can treat or even cure the condition entirely. However, diabetes is a complex medical disorder that requires specific treatments designed to target its underlying mechanisms and improve blood sugar control. Unfortunately, many people turn to unproven and untested remedies, often based on recommendations found on social media or websites. Some even stop their prescribed medical treatments in favor of these alternatives, which can be dangerous. “I have seen many patients with worsening diabetes condition just because they stopped their treatment and wanted to experiment other options,” Dr. Thamer explains.
Adopting a healthier lifestyle can improve Type 2 diabetes and lower the risk of developing it. Maintaining a normal body weight helps prevent insulin resistance, which is a key factor in both elevated blood sugar and diabetes. Regular exercise boosts metabolism, burns stored fat, and can have benefits comparable to diabetes medications. It is recommended to do moderate-intensity exercise, such as running, cycling, or swimming, for at least 150 minutes per week, spread over 5 days. Strength training twice a week for about 20 minutes is also beneficial for building muscle, improving endurance, and enhancing the body’s ability to exercise.
Diet is another critical factor. Limiting high-carbohydrate and high-fat foods like pastries, rice, bread, potatoes, and sweets, while consuming more lean protein, complex carbohydrates, fresh vegetables, beans, and low-fat dairy, can help reduce insulin resistance.
Ultimately, a balanced diet combined with regular exercise can lead to weight loss, which is particularly beneficial for those who are overweight or obese. Losing just 5-10% of body weight can significantly improve glucose control, and maintaining this weight loss is crucial for managing diabetes effectively.
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition and in many instances has no cure and can only be managed. Though treatments of diabetes are very effective, they require a significant commitment from the patient. Taking many medications and even injections can be disturbing to some people and creates anxiety and depression. Having continuous glucose monitoring for some patients can be a significant burden, especially as it includes pricking the fingers and going through many high and low sugar levels.
“Giving the attention needed to treat diabetes is not always easy for patients and many skip important steps in the management of their disease just because they feel lazy and indifferent toward it. Those people require continuous support and encouragement and require the attention of physicians and family and friends,” Dr. Thamer continues.
Fortunately, modern diabetes treatments and technologies have greatly advanced, offering improved options for patients. Drug therapies now help manage blood sugar, aid in weight loss, and improve heart, blood vessel, and kidney health. Insulin therapy has also evolved to be less frequent and safer, with a reduced risk of low blood sugar.
For Type 1 diabetes, insulin pumps offer continuous insulin delivery, eliminating the need for multiple daily injections. These pumps have become smarter, using advanced technology to calculate insulin needs with less patient input. Future models are expected to incorporate artificial intelligence for even easier management, seamlessly integrating with glucose monitoring devices.
Additionally, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can now be worn as small stickers on the skin, providing real-time blood sugar readings. This allows patients to better manage their glucose levels with minimal discomfort.
Social and family support is crucial for managing diabetes, especially when it comes to adopting a healthier lifestyle. Encouragement from loved ones can greatly impact a person’s ability to make and maintain these changes.
Education about diabetes is also essential for effective sugar control. Knowing which foods can raise blood sugar is important, particularly when dining out or attending social events, to help make better food choices. For those using insulin, it’s important to take injections as prescribed, even in social settings, without delay. Building confidence in managing diabetes in various situations is a key part of effective care.
“It is important to emphasize that getting diabetes under control very early on, would help to prevent important diabetes complications like kidney and heart diseases,” Dr. Thamer asserts.
Fortunately, Dr. Thamer has seen lots of success stories of people who have successfully managed the disease. “I have many patients who were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and obesity with poor diet plan which prevented adequate glucose control. Those patients when enrolled in a weight loss program with diet and exercise, using lifestyle advice or obesity medical treatment or even obesity surgery, reached the remission phase which means that the blood sugar is normal with no diabetes treatment being used. This is the ultimate goal for patients with Type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Thamer says.
While a diabetes diagnosis is scary, that doesn’t mean you can’t get better. Take control of your lifestyle and work with your healthcare team and you too, can live better for longer.
Taiba Hospital is located in Sabah Al Salem, off of route 30 on Road 3. Call them 24 hours at 180 80 88. For updates and information, visit the website taibahospital.com, and follow them on Instagram @taibahospital.
