Dr Graham Ellis

Want to learn more about Diabetes? See the World Health Organizations breakdown of this disease here:

Diabetes Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar). 

With the current pandemic Dr Ellis, and Sr Loura Botha, will try and assist diabetics with online consultations where possible. To book an online consultation you can contact Dr Ellis via email on [email protected].

HOW IS DIABETES DIAGNOSED? | Diabetes is diagnosed with fasting sugar blood tests or with A1c blood tests, also known as glycated hemoglobin tests. A fasting blood sugar test is performed after you have had nothing to eat or drink for at least eight hours.

WHAT IS DIABETES? | Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels

MEET DR ELLIS | Dr Graham Ellis is a Specialist Physician who has been working in the field of diabetes for more than 30 years. He is a founding member of the CDE and has conducted numerous clinical research trials in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. He works in Somerset West and until the Covid-19 epidemic has subsided, he and his Diabetic Nurse Educator, Sr Loura Botha, will try and assist diabetics with online consultations where possible. To schedule an online consultation you can contact him via [email protected].

An overall healthy lifestyle can help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes, this includes things like:

1. Choosing water, coffee or tea instead of sugar sweetened beverages.
2. Eating at least three servings of vegetables and fresh fruit every day.
3. Limiting alcohol intake.
4. Choosing whole-grain bread, rice, or pasta.
5. Choosing unsaturated fats instead of saturated fats.

DID YOU KNOW? In 2019 Approximately 463 million adults (20-79 years) were living with diabetes; by 2045 this will rise to 700 million. This emphasises the importance of practicing prevention for type 2 diabetes.

The most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes are similar to those of type 1 diabetes and include:

- Excessive thirst and dry mouth
- Frequent urination
- Lack of energy, tiredness
- Slow healing wounds
- Recurrent infections in the skin
- Blurred vision
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet

You can contact us if you require an online consultation at [email protected].

The most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:

- Abnormal thirst and dry mouth
- Sudden weight loss
- Frequent urination
- Lack of energy, tiredness
- Constant hunger
- Blurred vision
- Bedwetting in children

You can contact us if you require an online consultation at [email protected].

Happy Women's Day!

Quote of the day - a positive outlook on living with diabetes!

When people with diabetes develop a viral infection, it can be harder to treat due to fluctuations in blood glucose levels and, possibly, the presence of diabetes complications. There appear to be two reasons for this. Firstly, the immune system is compromised, making it harder to fight the virus and likely leading to a longer recovery period. Secondly, the virus may thrive in an environment of elevated blood glucose.

Stay safe, stay home!

Those with diabetes are considered high risk for possible COVID-19 infection, as those who contract this virus are likely to suffer through more severe infections. If you have diabetes and contract COVID-19 you are also more likely to be hospitilised. Stay safe and wear the necessary PPE when you are in public.

Dr Graham Ellis is a Specialist Physician who has been working in the field of diabetes for more than 30 years. He is a founding member of the CDE and has conducted numerous clinical research trials in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. He works in Somerset West and until the Covid-19 epidemic has subsided, he and his Diabetic Nurse Educator, Sr Loura Botha, will try and assist diabetics with online consultations where possible. Contact him on [email protected]

QUOTE "I do not love to work out, but if I stick to exercising every day and put the right things in my mouth, then my diabetes just stays in check."- Halle Berry

It is easy to get a list of foods that you should eat or not eat if you are diabetic, however it is not easy to get recipes. We found some awesome recipes for you to try, enjoy!

Our Recipe Book Click on the image for the f

When to call your doctor:
1. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath should never be ignored immediately call your doctor for an online consultation, you might need special attention.
2. Vomiting or inability to maintain your hydration is dangerous in diabetics (especially Type 1 diabetics)
3. Glucose levels that remain above 12mmol/l or continue increasing despite increasing your insulin.

If you are diabetic you need to do everything possible to avoid the need for hospitalisation during this time of the global Covid 19 outbreak. Stay home, stay safe.

What are the major differences and similarities between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes? Read them here:

Side-by-Side Comparison Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes | Insulin Nation Confused about the types of diabetes? Here the differences and similarities between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are explained

We totally agree with this quote - "I never lose. I either win or learn" - Nelson Mandela . Enjoy Mandela Day!

Lifestyle changes that help you manage type 2 diabetes.
1. Eat Healthy
2. Exercise
3. Get Check Ups
4. Manage stress
5. Stop Smoking
6. Watch your Alcohol intake
Source: https://www.webmd.com/

The findings of a new research study will change how patients with Type 2 diabetes are cared for in Qatar, with a new diabetes reversal clinic set to open at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in the coming months. Read more here:

Qatari study proves Type 2 diabetes can be reversed through lifestyle changes The findings of a new research study will change how patients with Type 2 diabetes are cared for in Qatar, with a new diabetes reversal clinic set to open at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in the coming months.

What is type 2 diabetes?
In type 2 diabetes the body produces insulin but cells in the body do not respond to it as effectively as they used to. Despite adequate levels of insulin the body struggles to regulate or move glucose from the blood into the cells resulting in high sugar levels in the blood.

People with Type 1 diabetes may be at a high risk of developing severe symptoms and illness from COVID-19, according to a new study published in Diabetes Care. Learn more here:

People with Type 1 diabetes may be at high risk for severe illness related to coronavirus: Study Viruses, like the novel coronavirus, may aggravate preexisting diabetic systems.

What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes results from a failure of the body to produce the hormone insulin needed to regulate the blood sugar levels. The wrong sugar levels in blood causes a number of health problems. This means patients of type 1 diabetes need to inject themselves insulin daily to survive. It develops at any age and it is not caused by eating the wrong food or an unhealthy lifestyle.

Types of Diabetes
1. Type 1 Diabetes (juvenile diabetes) - results from lack of insulin production.
2. Type 2 Diabetes (adult onset diabetes) - results from insulin cells in the body not responding to it effectively.
3. Gestational Diabetes - develops during pregnancy.

FAQ | What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that impairs the body’s ability to process blood glucose, otherwise known as blood sugar. Source: Medicalnewstoday.com