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Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease. There is constantly too much sugar circulating in the blood, and this increased blood sugar level damages blood vessels and various organs such as the heart, kidneys, and eyes. According to the Federal Office of Public Health, more than half a million people are affected by “diabetes” in this country alone, and this trend is increasing. “More and more people in this country suffer from obesity. Obesity plays a very important role in diabetes,” says Prof. Dr. med. Gottfried Rudofsky from the endocrinology, diabetes and obesity practice in Olten.
Experts distinguish between two types
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. “The pancreas cannot produce enough insulin that the body needs to absorb blood sugar into the cells.” According to the Federal Office of Public Health, approximately ten percent of those affected suffer from type 1 diabetes. The disease is usually diagnosed in children or adolescents, but can occur at any age.
The most common form of the disease to date is type 2 diabetes. “Excess weight plays a very important role,” says Rudofsky. “The pancreas continues to produce insulin, but not enough or the body can no longer use it effectively.” Approximately 90 percent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. It usually occurs in the second half of life, but it also occurs in young people who are overweight.
The causes of type 2 diabetes may be a hereditary predisposition, as well as unhealthy diet, obesity and lack of exercise. Risk factors include increased blood lipid levels and high blood pressure.
Can diabetes be treated?
People with type 1 diabetes need to inject the hormone insulin regularly throughout their lives to keep high blood sugar levels under control. “There’s no way around it, insulin is so important for life,” Rudofsky says. Those affected need to constantly monitor their blood sugar. For most people, this means pricking their finger several times a day to analyze the blood.
But there are also nicer methods. The FreeStyle Libre glucose monitoring system was developed to make it easier for patients to measure glucose using a sensor worn on the upper arm. “This is a blessing for everyone affected,” says the diabetes specialist. “Anyone who wears this sensor is also going out into society. I hope this will lead to diabetes no longer being stigmatised.
Type 1 diabetes is chronic and cannot be cured. The situation is different in type 2 diabetes. “Through a healthy lifestyle and weight loss, the disease is reversible if diagnosed early enough.” If high blood sugar cannot be normalized despite exercise and weight loss, tablet form medications are used. “Insulin therapy is only necessary when good blood sugar control cannot be achieved with tablets.”
Diabetes often goes unnoticed for a long time
The symptoms of type 1 diabetes are quite distinct. “This disease often hits those affected with full force,” Rudofsky says. “You suffer from severe thirst, excessive urination, weight loss, or physical fatigue.” However, sometimes the disease is only noticed when the affected person falls into a diabetic coma.
In type 2 diabetes, it takes an average of seven years for the disease to be detected. “Blood sugar levels rise slowly; years often pass without any symptoms.” Therefore, the diagnosis is often made during routine examination. Those who already have type 2 diabetes in their family and/or carry too much weight should be careful. A simple blood sugar test at the pharmacy or doctor’s office can provide indication of the disease.
This way you can reduce the risk of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, but type 2 diabetes is a completely different story. With a healthy lifestyle, anyone can delay or even prevent the disease completely. The benefits of the so-called Mediterranean diet are clearly proven. Building blocks: fatty fish, plenty of vegetables, fruits, nuts and olive oil. Fatty meat and sausages are rarely served on the table.
Movement also plays an important role. “Sports have many positive effects. Anyone who exercises prevents cardiovascular diseases, lowers blood pressure and contributes to weight loss,” says Rudofsky. Suitable sports to gradually bring new energy back to life include Nordic walking, walking, swimming, dancing or cycling. takes place.
Source : Blick
I am Dawid Malan, a news reporter for 24 Instant News. I specialize in celebrity and entertainment news, writing stories that capture the attention of readers from all walks of life. My work has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications and I am passionate about delivering quality content to my readers.
