Diabetes. . . Many have heard this word and know that "this disease is somehow related to sugar". Some people are afraid of getting sick, others do not care.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a group of endocrine diseases that develop as a result of insufficiency of the hormone insulin, which leads to the development of hyperglycemia - a constant increase in blood sugar levels.
The disease is characterized by a chronic course and disruption of all types of metabolism: carbohydrate, fat, protein, mineral and water-salt. There are 2 types, each of which requires a separate approach.
How do I know if I have diabetes?
Naturally, the most accurate diagnostic methods are various blood and urine tests. A single measurement of the sugar level is not enough, so if there is any suspicion, the doctor will definitely prescribe a series of tests for the patient to undergo.
What could cause such suspicions? The main symptoms are:
- Increased urine output, caused by an increase in urine pressure due to glucose dissolved in it (there is usually no glucose in the urine). It is manifested by frequent, profuse urination, including at night.
- Constant unquenchable thirst is caused by significant urinary water losses and increased blood osmotic pressure.
- Constant insatiable hunger. This symptom is caused by a metabolic disorder in diabetes, namely the inability of cells to absorb and process glucose in the absence of insulin (starvation during plenty).
- Weight loss (especially characteristic of type 1 diabetes) is a common symptom of diabetes that develops despite the increased appetite of patients.
Therefore, if you notice these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately!
What are the types of diabetes?
There are a number of classifications of diabetes mellitus according to 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 absorption of sugar by the body, the so-called insulin-dependent type. As a rule, it is diagnosed in people under 30 years of age. Such patients are forced to receive insulin artificially (through constant injections).
Type 2 diabetes accounts for 85-90% of all cases of diabetes in adults and is most common in people over 40; usually accompanied by obesity. It is especially important for such patients, as well as for people who have diabetes in the family, 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 illness by accident, during an examination for a completely different reason.
Is there a risk group?
Yes, of course it is. Type 1 diabetes is most often inherited. The risk also increases with inflammation of the pancreatic tissue, after injuries and infections.
People at risk of developing type 2 diabetes are those whose parents had obesity and/or type 2 diabetes.
How to calculate if you are at risk of developing diabetes? It is necessary to measure the circumference of the waist and the circumference of the hips, divide the first indicator by the second. If the resulting value is greater than 0. 95 for men and 0. 85 for women, then you are at risk.
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 sugar in the blood; penetrating into them, glucose turns 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 vessels and nerve endings. If the patient maintains blood sugar within acceptable values (6. 7-8. 0 mmol/l), then late diabetic complications do not occur.
The negative effects of diabetes have a strong impact on some organs and less on others, for example:
- Eyes - the retina is affected, diabetes can cause cataracts (clouding of the lens) and blindness (changes in the retina).
- Teeth - all diseases in the oral cavity develop at an accelerated pace due to lack of blood supply. There are often cases when diabetes is detected in the dentist's office, where the patient comes with complaints of swollen gums and loose teeth.
- Heart – affected by diabetes; changes in heart muscle, changes in blood vessels due to high cholesterol lead to coronary disease.
- Liver - when diabetes is poorly compensated, its normal functioning is disturbed 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 spontaneous abortions, premature birth and intrauterine death of the fetus are possible.
- The process of pregnancy and childbirth is very complicated for women with diabetes. Pregnant women suffering from diabetes require mandatory monitoring by two specialists - an endocrinologist and an obstetrician.
- Legs and feet - suffer from diabetes due to damage to blood vessels and nerves. Possible results are trophic ulcers, gangrene, loss of limbs. In addition, feet and nails are susceptible to fungal diseases.
- Joints are more susceptible to processes such as salt deposition than those of a healthy person; in addition, diabetic changes in the joints are possible.
- The circulatory system is directly affected by diabetes, which in turn initiates all the above diseases. Blood pressure in diabetics is usually high. Note that an additional factor that promotes blood vessel damage in diabetes is smoking.
Therefore, it is important to understand that only by controlling diabetes and successfully compensating for 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 extraordinary successes: conquer mountain peaks, lead large organizations.
And there is 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 drug that can completely cure a patient with diabetes. Currently, its treatment in most cases is symptomatic and is aimed at eliminating the symptoms without eliminating the cause of the disease.
Patient education plays a very important role in compensating for diabetes. The patient must understand what diabetes mellitus is, why it is dangerous, what to do in case of sudden changes in blood sugar levels, how to avoid them, be able to independently control blood sugar levels and have a clear idea 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 the treatment of diabetes is to constantly monitor your blood sugar levels and keep them at the level recommended by your doctor.
If a person with diabetes approaches this issue responsibly, his health will be the same as that of a healthy person. In addition, the future prognosis in terms of complications, duration and quality of life will be favorable.
Is it hard to control your blood sugar levels?
In the modern world, this is no longer a problem. If previously blood sugar could only be measured in a laboratory, now it is very easy to do at home. For measuring glucose, there are glucometers with high accuracy. They are compact, very easy to use and designed specifically for self-measuring glucose levels. If necessary, you can find out your sugar level at home, at work, while traveling, etc.
The whole process takes literally a few seconds and requires only one drop of blood. The test strip draws a drop and the result appears on the screen.
Prevention of diabetes
You must 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.
- The right nutrition. Consuming foods high in dietary fiber, which normalizes intestinal function and lowers cholesterol levels. These items include all fruits and vegetables, legumes, dairy products, nuts and more.
- Rejection of excessive consumption of flour, 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 levels regularly if you are over the age of 40. It is also necessary to do a sugar test for those who are prone to obesity and lead a sedentary lifestyle.