Diabetes Mellitus
- Diabetes mellitus is no longer considered a fatal disease by itself. However, it is the complications of diabetes that are dangerous. There are many ways to minimize or completely neutralize the complications of diabetes. If the disease is detected early, managing it becomes easier. Anyone can develop diabetes. According to the World Health Organization, the number of people with diabetes worldwide is increasing. Unfortunately, diabetes ranks among the top ten leading causes of death globally, second only to cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer. In reality, these statistics can be significantly reduced. By managing the disease properly, diabetes can be controlled.
- Symptoms of Diabetes
- Diabetes often has no obvious symptoms, especially in the early stages and with type 2 diabetes. Because of this, doctors call type 2 diabetes the "silent killer." It can develop without symptoms for many years, and many people may not even suspect they have it. The disease is usually discovered accidentally during medical exams or when the first signs of diabetes appear.
- Common symptoms indicating complications of diabetes include persistent thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and fatigue. It is important to regularly test blood sugar levels because only measuring glucose in the blood can definitively confirm diabetes. Blood sugar can be measured using a medical device called a glucometer, which is available in any pharmacy. If fasting blood sugar is 7 mmol/L or higher, or if blood sugar after meals is 11 mmol/L, diabetes is likely present.
- Prevention Tips
- 1. Maintain a healthy weight: The risk of developing diabetes is significantly lower in individuals with normal weight compared to those who are obese. Central obesity — fat accumulation around the abdomen — is especially dangerous. You can measure waist circumference: men should have no more than 94 cm, women no more than 80 cm. Larger measurements indicate excess weight, regardless of height.
- 2. Stay physically active: A sedentary lifestyle reduces the activity of cellular receptors involved in glucose absorption.
- 3. Get enough sleep: Sleeping between 5 to 8 hours per night helps reduce blood sugar levels.
- 4. Quit smoking: Nicotine negatively affects cellular receptors, making them less sensitive to insulin. As a result, cells absorb glucose less efficiently, leaving excess sugar in the blood.
- Importance of Timely Diagnosis and Treatment
- If diabetes is diagnosed, treatment must begin promptly. Without treatment or timely diagnosis, high blood sugar disrupts metabolism and damages organs that require good blood supply. The main targets affected by diabetes are the liver, skin, eyes, and heart, which suffer from characteristic complications.
- Treatment of Diabetes
- Diabetes cannot be cured, but various medications exist to regulate blood sugar levels. However, relying solely on medication is not sufficient. Effective treatment requires a comprehensive approach, including lifestyle changes, alongside medication. The goal of treatment is to maintain blood glucose at normal levels without significant highs or lows.
- Three Main Principles in Managing Diabetes:
- • Proper nutrition
- • Physical activity
- • Medication
- Stay healthy!
13 August 2020
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