Diabetes... Many people have heard this word and know that "this disease has something to do with sugar."Some people are afraid of getting sick, others don't care.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a group of endocrine diseases that occur due to a deficiency of the hormone insulin, resulting in hyperglycemia - a persistent increase in blood sugar levels.
The disease is characterized by a chronic course and disruption of all types of metabolism: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and water-salt.There are two types, each requiring a separate approach.
How do I know if I have diabetes?
Of course, the most accurate diagnostic methods are various blood and urine tests.Measuring blood sugar levels once is not enough, so if there is any suspicion, the doctor will certainly prescribe a series of tests for the patient to undergo.
What could arouse such suspicion?The main symptoms are:
- Increased urine output occurs due to an increase in urinary pressure due to the glucose dissolved in it (normally there is no glucose in urine).Symptoms include frequent and heavy urination, including at night.
- Persistent unquenchable thirst is caused by massive water loss in the urine and increased blood osmolarity.
- A constant, insatiable hunger.This symptom is caused by the metabolic disorder of diabetes, the inability of cells to absorb and process glucose in the absence of insulin (starvation in abundance).
- Weight loss, especially a classic symptom of type 1 diabetes, is a common symptom of diabetes that occurs despite an increased appetite.
So if you notice these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately!
What are the types of diabetes?
There are various classifications of diabetes based on different criteria.The main types of diabetes include type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is a disease in which the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, which is responsible for the body's absorption of sugar. It is known as insulin-dependent.Typically, the disease is diagnosed in people under 30 years old.These patients are forced to receive insulin artificially (through continuous injections).
Type 2 diabetes accounts for 85-90% of all cases of diabetes in adults and is most common in people over the age of 40; often accompanied by obesity.Controlling blood sugar levels is especially important for such patients and those who have family members with diabetes.
The situation is complicated by the fact that, unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes emerges gradually.You can be sick for a long time without even realizing it.Often, a person learns of the disease by chance during a check-up and for completely different reasons.
Are there at-risk groups?
Yes, of course it is.Type 1 diabetes is usually hereditary.The risk also increases when pancreatic tissue becomes inflamed after injury and infection.
People at risk for type 2 diabetes are those whose parents have obesity and/or type 2 diabetes.
How do you calculate whether you are at risk of developing diabetes?To measure waist and hip circumference, divide the first measurement by the second measurement.If the result value is greater than 0.95 for men and 0.85 for women, you are at risk.
What complications can diabetes cause?
The main cause of chronic complications of diabetes is damage to small blood vessels and the peripheral nervous system.The walls of blood vessels and nerves are damaged by too much sugar in the blood; when glucose seeps into them it is converted into substances that are toxic to these tissues.As a result, changes occur that disrupt the normal functioning of the organ, which has many small blood vessels and nerve endings.If the patient keeps his blood sugar within acceptable values (6.7-8.0 mmol/l), then late diabetic complications will not occur.
The negative effects of diabetes affect some organs more than others, such as:
- Eyes - The retina is affected, and diabetes can lead to cataracts (clouding of the lens) and blindness (changes in the retina).
- Teeth - All diseases in the mouth accelerate due to lack of blood supply.Diabetes is often diagnosed in the dental office with patients complaining of swollen gums and loose teeth.
- Heart - Affected by diabetes; changes in the heart muscle due to high cholesterol, changes in blood vessels leading to coronary artery disease.
- Liver – When diabetes compensates poorly, its normal functions are disrupted and the liver becomes enlarged.
- Diabetes directly affects the kidneys, leading to diabetic nephropathy.
- reproductive system.Diabetes in men can cause impotence; in women, miscarriage, premature birth, and intrauterine fetal death are possible.
- For women with diabetes, the process of pregnancy and childbirth is complex.Pregnant women with diabetes require mandatory supervision by two specialists - an endocrinologist and an obstetrician.
- Legs and Feet – Diabetes due to damage to blood vessels and nerves.Possible results are trophic ulcers, gangrene, and loss of limbs.In addition, feet and nails are also susceptible to fungal infections.
- Joints are more susceptible to processes such as salt deposition than healthy people; in addition, people with diabetes may also experience changes in their joints.
- The circulatory system is directly affected by diabetes, which leads to all the above-mentioned diseases.People with diabetes often have high blood pressure.Note that another factor that stimulates vascular damage in diabetes is smoking.
Therefore, it is important to understand that you can only live a fulfilling life if you control your diabetes and successfully compensate for it.Across our country and around the world, many people not only live with diabetes but also achieve outstanding success: conquering mountains and leading large organizations.
There is no need to despair if you hear a diagnosis like this.Everything is in your hands!
Can diabetes be cured?
Unfortunately, scientists have not yet invented a drug that can completely cure people with diabetes.Currently, its treatment in most cases is symptomatic and aims to eliminate symptoms without eliminating the cause.
Patient education plays a very important role in diabetes compensation.Patients must understand what diabetes is, why it is dangerous, what to do when blood sugar changes suddenly, how to avoid them, be able to independently control blood sugar levels, and have a clear understanding of proper nutrition.
Should diabetes be treated?
undoubtedly!It is important to understand that this disease will not go away on its own.The most important goal in treating diabetes is to continuously monitor blood sugar levels and maintain them at the levels recommended by your doctor.
If a diabetic patient handles this problem responsibly, his health status will be the same as that of a healthy person.Furthermore, future prognosis will be favorable in terms of complications, duration, and quality of life.
Are blood sugar levels difficult to control?
In the modern world, this is no longer a problem.If blood sugar could previously only be measured in a laboratory, it can now be measured easily at home.To measure blood sugar, there are high-precision blood glucose meters.They are compact, very easy to use and designed for self-measurement of blood sugar levels.If necessary, you can know your blood sugar levels at home, at work, while traveling, etc.
The entire process takes only a few seconds and requires only a drop of blood.A drop is added to the test strip and the result is displayed on the screen.
Prevent diabetes
You need to remember that the best way to protect yourself is constant prevention, which you can do yourself:
- Active lifestyle and weight control.Diabetes is directly related to obesity.Physical activity helps lower blood sugar and reduces the need for insulin.
- Proper nutrition.Eating foods rich in dietary fiber can normalize intestinal function and lower cholesterol levels.These products include all fruits and vegetables, legumes, dairy products, nuts, and more.
- Avoid excessive consumption of flour, sweets, pasta and baked goods.Eat only bread made from whole grains.
- Avoid stress and don't smoke.One of the causes of diabetes is stress and anxiety.Stress and smoking reduce the body's resistance to diabetes.
- If you are over 40, monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.A sugar test is also necessary for those prone to obesity and living a sedentary lifestyle.