Uncontrolled diabetes results in hyperglycemia (elevated blood glucose levels), which leads to damage to many body systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.
Main symptoms:
- excessive urination
- thirst
- constant feeling of hunger
- weight loss
- fatigue
- vision impairment
There are several types of diabetes:
Type I diabetes (or insulin-dependent) is characterized by insufficient insulin production. The causes are not well understood, so preventing the disease is almost impossible.
Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent) – occurs when the body does not use insulin effectively. Most cases of this type of diabetes are associated with being overweight and not being physically active.
Gestational diabetes is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels that develop in women during pregnancy. This type of diabetes is associated with a high risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Risks and complications
Adults with diabetes have a 2-3 times higher risk of heart attack and stroke than others. The overall risk of death among people with diabetes is at least twice that of people of the same age who do not have diabetes. 6.2% deaths worldwide are related to diabetes.
Reduced blood flow through the affected vessels, combined with damage to nerve endings, significantly increases the risk of leg ulcers, infection, and ultimately amputation.
Damage to the retina of the eyes – diabetic retinopathy occurs due to damage to small blood vessels and is the cause of 11% of blindness.
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.
Statistics
More than 400 million people live with diabetes worldwide and the prevalence is projected to continue to increase. It was the seventh leading cause of death in 2016. The prevalence of diabetes in Ukraine has increased by half in the last 10 years. Insulin-dependent diabetes (type 1) accounts for 6.51% of all cases. Almost 31% of primary disability in the adult population in Ukraine is due to diabetes.
Prevention of type 2 diabetes involves simple measures to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
life:
- achieve and maintain normal body weight;
- be physically active and devote at least 150 minutes per week to regular physical activity;
- follow a healthy diet and reduce sugar and saturated fats
- refrain from smoking and alcohol abuse.
Diabetes is a chronic, progressive disease, but people with diabetes can live long lives with early treatment. This involves not only controlling blood glucose levels, but also controlling risk factors for complications, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These can be managed with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and the correct use of medications. People with diabetes need access to regular, organized health care provided by a team of qualified health care professionals.
People with type 1 diabetes require daily insulin therapy, regular blood glucose monitoring, and a healthy diet and lifestyle to effectively manage their condition and delay or avoid many of the complications that diabetes causes.
The cornerstones of type 2 diabetes are a healthy diet, increased physical activity, and maintaining a healthy body weight. Oral medications and insulin are also often prescribed to control blood glucose levels.