Consumer health conditions

HEALTH CONDITIONS

Matric Study Notes

What happens in the body • Symptoms • Five food choices • Prevention and management

How to use these notes: Learn the meaning of each condition, recognise common symptoms, and understand how

food and everyday habits may help. Food can support health, but it does not replace medical assessment,

prescribed treatment, or emergency care.

Important: These are general study notes, not a personal treatment plan. Symptoms can overlap and some people

have no symptoms. A healthcare professional must diagnose these conditions. If someone is confused, faints, has

severe chest pain, or has trouble breathing, seek urgent medical help.

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Health Conditions • Matric Study Notes

1. Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose)

What happens in the body?

The level of glucose (sugar) in the blood becomes lower than the body needs. It is most common in people using

insulin or certain diabetes medicines, especially if a meal is missed, activity increases, or medicine and food are not

balanced.

Common symptoms

• Shaking or trembling

• Sweating

• Hunger

• Dizziness, headache, or weakness

• Irritability, confusion, or difficulty concentrating; severe cases can cause seizures or unconsciousness

Five food choices

1. Glucose tablets or glucose gel (quick treatment when the person is awake and able to swallow)

2. Fruit juice or regular sugary soft drink for a low, if advised in the person’s care plan

3. Fresh fruit, such as an apple or orange, as part of a balanced snack

4. Whole-grain crackers with cheese or peanut butter

5. Plain yoghurt or milk with a balanced meal/snack

Prevention and management

For people at risk, eat regular balanced meals, avoid skipping meals, plan snacks around exercise, monitor glucose

as advised, and take diabetes medicine exactly as prescribed. Carry a fast-acting glucose source if a clinician

recommends it. If the person is unconscious or cannot swallow, do not give food or drink by mouth—get emergency

help.

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2. Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose)

What happens in the body?

The amount of glucose in the blood is higher than normal. It can happen when the body has too little insulin or

cannot use insulin properly, during illness or stress, or when diabetes treatment, meals, and activity are not well

balanced.

Common symptoms

• Increased thirst

• Passing urine more often

• Tiredness or weakness

• Blurred vision

• Unintended weight loss or slow-healing cuts (especially if high levels persist)

Five food choices

1. Non-starchy vegetables, such as spinach or broccoli

2. Beans or lentils

3. Whole grains, such as oats or brown rice, in suitable portions

4. Fresh whole fruit, such as berries or an apple, in suitable portions

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Health Conditions • Matric Study Notes

5. Lean protein, such as eggs, fish, or skinless chicken

Prevention and management

If at risk or living with diabetes, follow the care plan, take prescribed medicines, check glucose as advised, stay

hydrated, be physically active as appropriate, and choose regular balanced meals with suitable portions of

carbohydrate. Seek urgent care for vomiting, abdominal pain, deep/rapid breathing, severe drowsiness, or

confusion.

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3. Hypertension (high blood pressure)

What happens in the body?

Blood pushes against artery walls with persistently excessive force. Over time this strains the heart and blood

vessels and raises the risk of stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, and other complications. It often causes no

obvious symptoms, so blood pressure must be measured.

Common symptoms

• Often none

• Sometimes headaches or dizziness, but these are not reliable signs

• Severe blood pressure problems may occur with chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, or vision

changes—urgent assessment is needed

Five food choices

1. Vegetables, such as leafy greens

2. Fresh fruit, such as bananas or oranges

3. Beans and lentils

4. Whole grains, such as oats

5. Unsalted nuts and seeds

Prevention and management

Have blood pressure checked; reduce salt and highly salted processed foods; eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables

and fruit; be active regularly; avoid smoking; limit or avoid alcohol; sleep well; and take prescribed medication

consistently. No single food cures hypertension.

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4. Diabetes

What happens in the body?

Diabetes is a long-term condition in which blood glucose stays too high because the body does not make enough

insulin, cannot use insulin effectively, or both. Type 1 usually requires insulin; type 2 is often linked to insulin

resistance and may be managed with lifestyle changes and medicines, sometimes including insulin.

Common symptoms

• Increased thirst

• Frequent urination

• Feeling very tired

• Blurred vision

• Slow-healing wounds or recurrent infections; type 2 may develop gradually and have few symptoms

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Health Conditions • Matric Study Notes

Five food choices

1. Non-starchy vegetables, such as cabbage, spinach, or broccoli

2. Beans and lentils

3. Whole grains, such as oats or brown rice

4. Whole fruit rather than fruit juice, in suitable portions

5. Lean protein, such as eggs, fish, or chicken

Prevention and management