Diabetes: causes, symptoms and prevention methods
Diabetes is a common disease characterized by high blood sugar. Normally, its level should be:
- in adults - 3.5-5.7 mmol / l;
- in children - 4.2-6.4 mmol / l;
- in pregnant women and the elderly - 3.3-6.5 mmol / l.
With the development of diabetes, it can increase several times. According to the World Health Organization, glucose levels of 7.0 mmol/l on an empty stomach and 11.0 mmol/l 2 hours after a meal are potentially dangerous and can lead to the development of serious complications.
TYPES OF DIABETES
The most common are:
- type 1 diabetes mellitus - accompanied by insufficient production of insulin in the body;
- type II diabetes mellitus - develops with a decrease in the sensitivity of tissues to the action of insulin.
Type 1 diabetes is most often diagnosed at a young age, while type 2 diabetes is diagnosed mainly in older people.
Type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes, occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin. He deserved his name due to the fact that it is diagnosed in young (up to 30 years), often childhood, and can also be congenital. In recent years, type 1 diabetes began to appear in an older age group - at 35 or even 40 years old.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus develops due to a decrease in the sensitivity of tissues to the action of insulin, as a result, insulin is produced, but the blood sugar level still remains elevated. As a rule, the disease appears after 40 years, but the disease gradually "gets younger". At risk are people with obesity and overweight.
RISK GROUPS FOR DIABETES MELLITUS
The risk of developing diabetes is higher in people with:
- hereditary predisposition;
- diseases of the pancreas;
- obesity;
- irrational nutrition;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- frequent stress;
- hormonal disorders;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- hypertension;
- polycystic ovary syndrome;
- lipid metabolism disorders (high blood cholesterol levels).
CAUSES OF DIABETES
There are various reasons for the development of diabetes:
- genetic (inheritance of type I diabetes from parents);
- stress;
- trauma;
- diseases of the pancreas;
- age (the older the person, the higher the likelihood of developing the disease);
- obesity and arterial hypertension (high blood pressure).
SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES
Diabetes mellitus in most cases is manifested by the following symptoms:
- dry mouth, thirst;
- frequent urination (polyuria);
- dry skin;
- irritability;
- fatigue, weakness;
- decrease in sexual desire;
- slow wound healing.
COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES MELLITUS
If diabetes mellitus is not treated, then all the key systems of the body will fall under the harmful influence of high blood sugar levels. The most affected are:
- heart and blood vessels - blood circulation worsens, fatty deposits appear on the walls of blood vessels, clogging them (hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes - an incomplete list of possible complications of diabetes);
- due to increased load, the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter blood - kidney failure develops;
- vision deteriorates due to damage to the small vessels of the eye, leading to swelling of the lens, the risk of blindness due to cataracts or glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy;
- nervous system - there is numbness of the hands and feet, digestive disorders, problems with sexual activity and urination;
In advanced cases of the disease, the feet suffer, which in some cases have to be amputated.
If the patient is not prescribed adequate treatment, then diabetes is fraught with the development of many complications. However, if you consult a doctor in time and carefully follow all his recommendations, it is possible to slow down and stop the development of complications.
DIAGNOSTICS OF DIABETES MELLITUS
- blood sugar test (performed on an empty stomach);
- glucose tolerance test - a blood test on an empty stomach and after taking 75 ml of glucose;
- blood test for glycated hemoglobin;
- blood test for insulin and C-peptide (for differential diagnosis of type 1 and type 2 diabetes);
- urine test for glucose and ketone bodies.
- the skin becomes vulnerable to fungi and bacteria, and wounds and scratches heal very hard.
To confirm the diagnosis, a blood sugar test must be taken several times. As a rule, it is first carried out on an empty stomach, and if an elevated level is detected, a glucose tolerance test is prescribed. It shows how the body reacts to the intake of the product. Also, to improve the accuracy of diagnosis, patients are often advised to repeat the blood sugar test for several days with a normal diet.
If diabetes mellitus is confirmed, the sugar level must be constantly monitored. This can be done at home with a glucometer.
To diagnose the complications of diabetes mellitus and concomitant diseases, consultations of doctors of other specialties and additional examinations may be required.
TREATMENT OF TYPE 1 DIABETES
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, causing insufficient insulin levels in the blood.
For treatment, patients are prescribed:
- insulin therapy - injection of insulin every day;
- nutritional correction - the rejection of sweets, fatty foods and some other foods;
- quitting smoking and drinking alcohol (it contains a lot of glucose).
In addition, it is also advised to regularly monitor blood sugar levels and be observed by an endocrinologist to correct treatment.
TYPE 2 DIABETES TREATMENT
In type 2 diabetes, insulin continues to be produced by the body, but the sensitivity of tissues to it decreases, resulting in an increase in blood sugar levels. Unlike patients with type 1 diabetes, people with type 2 can sometimes go without daily insulin injections. At the same time, daily monitoring of blood sugar levels and the strict implementation of all medical recommendations are extremely important.To treat type 2 diabetes, an endocrinologist may prescribe:
- insulin therapy - daily or periodic administration of insulin;
- drugs that control blood sugar;
- a strict diet that prevents a sharp increase in glucose concentration;
- therapeutic exercises to normalize body weight.
In each case, the treatment program is developed individually. Periodically, it is adjusted taking into account changes in sugar levels, general well-being and other features.
PREVENTION OF DIABETES MELLITUS
To reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, it is recommended:
- eat a balanced diet, make meals small and regular;
- maintain normal body weight;
- exercise regularly;
- give up smoking and other bad habits;
- control blood sugar and cholesterol levels;
- timely treat diseases of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, as well as other pathologies.
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DIABETES
Treatment of diabetes is becoming part of the lifestyle. It requires daily medication, diet and constant monitoring of blood sugar levels. If you follow all the medical recommendations with this disease, you can maintain good health and remain active in social life.
To reduce the risk of complications and maintain quality of life, patients are advised to:
- regularly do a blood test for sugar levels (the frequency is determined by the doctor);
- take all the drugs on time (you can put reminders on your smartphone or hang notes in prominent places);
- think over the diet, taking into account medical recommendations (proper nutrition can also be tasty and varied);
- move more, walk in the fresh air;
- every day or week, check the oral cavity for swelling and bleeding, as well as the feet for the integrity of the skin.
Once a year, it is recommended to undergo an examination by a cardiologist with Doppler ultrasound of the vessels of the legs and blood tests for cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as visit an ophthalmologist and check your eyesight. This is necessary for the prevention and early diagnosis of the most common complications of diabetes.
Source: https://oxford-med.com.ua/services/endokrinologiya/lechenie-saharnogo-diabeta/
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