Diabetes. . . Many people have heard this word and know that "this disease is somewhat related to sugar". Some people are afraid of getting sick, others don't care.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a group of endocrine diseases that develop due to a deficiency of the hormone insulin, leading to hyperglycemia - persistently increased blood sugar levels.
The disease is characterized by a chronic course and disruption of all types of metabolism: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and water-salts. There are two types, each requiring a unique approach.
How do I know if I have diabetes?
Naturally, the most accurate diagnostic method is various blood and urine tests. Measuring sugar levels in the body once is not enough, so if there is any doubt, the doctor will definitely prescribe a series of tests for the patient to undergo.
What could cause such doubts? The main symptoms are:
- Urine output increases due to increased urine pressure due to glucose dissolved in it (normally there is no glucose in urine). Symptoms include frequent and frequent urination, even at night.
- Constant, unquenchable thirst is caused by significant loss of water through urine and increased osmotic pressure of the blood.
- Constant, insatiable hunger. This symptom is due to metabolic disorders in diabetes, specifically the inability of cells to absorb and process glucose when there is no insulin (starvation when there is a lot).
- Weight loss (especially typical in type 1 diabetes) is a common symptom of diabetes, which develops despite the patient's increased appetite.
So, if you notice these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately!
What are the types of diabetes?
There are many ways to classify diabetes according to different criteria. The main types of diabetes include type 1 and 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is a disease in which the pancreas cannot produce insulin, the substance responsible for absorbing sugar in the body, also known as insulin-dependent type. As a rule, it is diagnosed in people under 30 years of age. Such patients are forced to receive artificial insulin (through continuous injections).
Type 2 diabetes accounts for 85-90% of all diabetes cases in adults and is most common in people over 40 years old; often accompanied by obesity. It is especially important for such patients, as well as those with family members with diabetes, to control their blood sugar levels.
The situation is complicated by the fact that, unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes appears gradually. You can be sick for a long time and not even realize it. Often a person learns about his disease by chance when he goes to the doctor for a completely different reason.
Are there any risk groups?
Yes, of course. Type 1 diabetes is most often inherited. The risk also increases when pancreatic tissue becomes inflamed, following trauma and infection.
People at risk for type 2 diabetes are those whose parents have obesity and/or type 2 diabetes.
How to calculate whether you are at risk of diabetes? It is necessary to measure the waist circumference and hip circumference, dividing the first index by the second index. If the resulting value is greater than 0. 95 for men and 0. 85 for women then you are in danger.
What complications does diabetes cause?
The main cause of chronic complications in diabetes is damage to small blood vessels and the peripheral nervous system. The walls of blood vessels and nerves suffer from excess blood sugar; When entering them, glucose will transform into a substance that is toxic to these tissues. As a result, changes occur that disrupt the normal functioning of an organ with many small vessels and nerve endings. If the patient keeps blood sugar levels at an acceptable level (6, 7-8, 0 mmol/l), late diabetic complications will not occur.
The negative effects of diabetes have a strong impact on some organs and little effect on others, e. g.
- Eyes - the retina is affected, diabetes can cause cataracts (cataracts) and blindness (changes in the retina).
- Teeth - all diseases in the oral cavity develop at a rapid pace due to lack of blood supply. There are often cases of diabetes detected in the dentist's office, where patients complain of swollen gums and loose teeth.
- Heart - affected by diabetes; Heart muscle changes, blood vessels change due to high cholesterol leading to coronary artery disease.
- Liver - when diabetes is poorly compensated, its normal function is disrupted and the liver enlarges.
- The kidneys are directly affected by diabetes, leading to diabetic nephropathy.
- Reproductive system. Diabetes in men leads to impotence; In women, miscarriage, premature birth, and stillbirth in the uterus may occur.
- Pregnancy and childbirth are complicated for women with diabetes. Pregnant women with diabetes require mandatory supervision by two specialists - an endocrinologist and an obstetrician.
- Legs and feet - diabetes is caused by damage to blood vessels and nerves. Possible results are trophic ulcers, gangrene, and limb loss. In addition, feet and nails are susceptible to fungal diseases.
- Joints are more susceptible to processes such as salt deposition than in healthy people; Additionally, diabetic changes in the joints may occur.
- The circulatory system is directly affected by diabetes, which in turn causes all of the above diseases. Blood pressure in diabetics is often high. Note that an additional factor that stimulates blood vessel damage in diabetes is smoking.
Therefore, it is important to understand that only by controlling diabetes and successfully offsetting it can you live a fulfilling life. In our country as well as around the world, many people not only live with diabetes but also achieve outstanding success: conquering the top, leading large organizations.
And there's no need to despair if you hear such a diagnosis; Everything is in your hands!
Can we cure diabetes?
Unfortunately, scientists have not yet invented a remedy that can completely cure diabetics. Currently, treatment in most cases is symptomatic and aimed at eliminating the symptoms without eliminating the cause of the disease.
Patient education plays a very important role in offsetting diabetes. Patients must understand what diabetes is, why it is dangerous, what to do in case of sudden changes in blood sugar, how to prevent it, be able to self-control blood sugar and understand clearly. about proper nutrition.
Should diabetes be treated?
No more doubts! It is important to understand that this disease will not go away on its own. The most important goal in diabetes treatment is to continuously monitor blood sugar levels and maintain them at the levels recommended by your doctor.
If a person with diabetes approaches this issue responsibly, then his health will be the same as that of a healthy person. Furthermore, the future prognosis in terms of complications, duration, and quality of life will be favorable.
Is it difficult to control your blood sugar?
In the modern world, this is no longer a problem. If before it was only possible to measure blood sugar in the laboratory, now it is very easy to measure blood sugar at home. To measure glucose, there are highly accurate blood glucose meters. They are compact, very easy to use and specifically designed for self-measurement of glucose levels. If needed, you can find out your sugar levels at home, at work, while traveling, etc. v.
The entire process takes just a few seconds and requires just one drop of blood. The test strip draws out a drop and the result appears 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 reduce the need for insulin.
- Proper nutrition. Eat foods rich in fiber, which helps normalize intestinal function and reduce cholesterol levels. These products include all fruits and vegetables, legumes, dairy products, nuts and others.
- Refuse to consume too many flour products, sweets, pasta and baked goods. Eat only whole-grain bread.
- 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.
- Monitor your blood sugar regularly if you are over 40 years old. It is also necessary to check sugar levels for people who tend to be obese and lead a sedentary lifestyle.