Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. It affects the way the body uses glucose (blood sugar), the main source of energy for cells. In diabetes, blood glucose levels are elevated, which can lead to serious complications if not properly controlled. According to the World Health Organization, more than 500 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, and the number is steadily increasing due to poor diet, obesity and lack of physical activity.
What is diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which the body cannot produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin produced. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps glucose enter cells, where it is used for energy. When there is not enough insulin or the cells do not respond to it properly, glucose builds up in the blood and leads to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Over time, high sugar levels damage blood vessels, nerves and organs, including the heart, kidneys, eyes and feet.
Types of diabetes
Diabetes is divided into three main types:
1. Type 1 diabetes
It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin. It occurs most often in childhood or adolescence, but can also manifest later. Patients with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily as their body does not produce this hormone.
2. Type 2 diabetes
The most common form of the disease. In this type, the pancreas produces insulin but the cells do not use it efficiently - a condition known as insulin resistance. Over time, insulin production may decrease. Type 2 diabetes is mainly associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, being overweight and heredity.
3. Gestational diabetes
This type of diabetes develops during pregnancy in women who have not previously had diabetes. The cause is the hormonal load that leads to temporary insulin resistance. It usually disappears after childbirth but increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
Main symptoms of diabetes
Symptoms of diabetes develop gradually and often go unnoticed, especially in type 2 diabetes. Here are the most common signs:
- Permanent thirst (polyuria) and dry mouth
- Frequent urination, including at night
- Constant hunger and a sweet tooth
- Dropout, easy fatigue and lack of concentration
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing wounds or honor infections
- Weight loss despite normal or increased appetite (especially in type 1 diabetes)
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet (due to nerve damage)
- Dry and itchy skin
In women, frequent fungal infections can occur, and in men - erectile dysfunction and decreased libido.
Diagnosis of diabetes
Diagnosis is made by laboratory blood tests. Most often used:
- Measuring fasting blood sugar - values above 7.0 mmol/l indicate diabetes.
- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) - measures how the body responds to ingested glucose.
- Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) - shows the average blood sugar level over the last 2-3 months. A value above 6.5% confirms the diagnosis.
- Blood sugar test after a meal - measured 2 hours after a meal, values above 11.1 mmol/l may be suspicious for diabetes.
After diagnosis, the type of diabetes, the degree of control and the presence of possible complications are determined.
Complications of diabetes
If not properly controlled, diabetes can lead to a number of complications:
- Diabetic retinopathy - damage to the retina, which can lead to blindness
- Diabetic nephropathy - kidney damage that can lead to kidney failure
- Diabetic neuropathy - nerve damage causing pain, numbness and loss of sensation
- Cardiovascular disease - heart attack, stroke, hypertension
- Diabetic foot - ulcers and infections on the feet that sometimes require amputation
- Infections - due to a weakened immune system
Blood sugar control significantly reduces the risk of these complications.
Treatment of diabetes
Treatment aims to keep blood sugar levels within normal limits, prevent complications and improve quality of life. The approach depends on the type of diabetes, but includes a combination of diet, physical activity, medication and lifestyle changes.
1. Treatment of type 1 diabetes
In this type it is absolutely necessary insulin treatmentas the body does not produce insulin. Different types of insulin are used - short-acting, long-acting and mixed. Its administration can be by injection or insulin pump.
Patients should have their blood sugar levels measured regularly and learn how to adjust their doses according to diet and physical activity.
In addition, it is important to observe balanced diet with carbohydrate control and regular checkups with an endocrinologist.
2. Treatment of type 2 diabetes
The first step is lifestyle change:
- Balanced diet with limitation of sugars, saturated fats and white flour
- Weight control and maintaining a body mass index below 25
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week)
- Smoking cessation and alcohol restriction
If these measures are not enough, the doctor prescribes medication. The most commonly used medication is metforminwhich improves the sensitivity of cells to insulin. Other groups of drugs can be added as needed, such as sulfonylurea preparations, incretin analogues or insulin.
3. Treatment of gestational diabetes
In most cases, it is controlled with diet and moderate physical activity. If blood sugar levels remain high, insulin therapy may be required. Women with gestational diabetes should be carefully monitored by an obstetrician and endocrinologist.
Nutrition in diabetes
Nutrition plays a key role in diabetes control. The diet should be varied, low on the glycaemic index and rich in fibre.
Recommended:
- Eat whole grains, vegetables and low-sugar fruits
- Limit processed foods, white flour, sweets and fizzy drinks
- Avoid fried and fatty foods
- Prefer fish, chicken, legumes and nuts as protein sources
- Drink enough water and avoid excessive alcohol consumption
4-5 small meals per day are recommended instead of two large meals to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Physical activity
Regular exercise improves the sensitivity of cells to insulin and helps control weight and blood pressure. Suitable activities include walking, swimming, cycling and yoga. It is important to tailor exercise to age and health.
Tracking and self-monitoring
People with diabetes should regularly measure their blood sugar level with a glucometer. In addition, periodic check-ups with an endocrinologist, ophthalmologist and cardiologist are recommended. Blood pressure and cholesterol control is also essential.
Prevention
Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, but type 2 can often be avoided through a healthy lifestyle:
- Maintaining a normal weight
- Balanced nutrition
- Regular physical activity
- Avoiding stress and smoking
Regular preventive check-ups and blood tests help detect and prevent complications early.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a disease that requires constant control and attention, but with the right approach and discipline can be lived long and fully. Timely diagnosis, proper treatment, a healthy diet and an active lifestyle are the main factors that allow people with diabetes to maintain a good quality of life and prevent the severe consequences of the disease.
Regular health care, adherence to medical recommendations and conscious choices in daily living are the keys to successful diabetes management and longevity.
