2024-11-14 14:23:00
November 14th is dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes, a chronic disease that affects millions of people around the world. Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it properly, leading to high blood sugar levels, which causes several health complications.
If left untreated, diabetes can cause heart, kidney, vision and nerve problems. Often, the diagnosis is only made when the disease is at an advanced stage, when complications have already appeared.
According to a survey by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), 72% of people with diabetes only found out about the disease after developing at least one of the complications, such as blindness, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, kidney failure or loss of sensitivity. , especially in the hands and feet, caused by nerve damage.
From head to toe: how to identify diabetes?
Endocrinologist Larissa Figueiredo, consultant at Sabin Diagnóstico e Saúde, explains that, although diabetes is a silent disease, it is necessary to identify some risk factors.
“In addition to the annual check-up, which is necessary for everyone, those with a family history of diabetes and conditions such as obesity should pay extra attention to monitoring blood glucose levels”, advises the doctor.
Know that these may indicate that you have diabetes: Feeling of tiredness and irritability; Blurred vision; Excessive thirst; Frequent hunger; Dry mouth; Periodontal disease; Wounds that take time to heal; Tingling in the feet and hands; Weight loss; Itching around the penis or vagina, or recurring episodes of candidiasis; Excessive urge to urinate; Itchy skin; Dark spots on the skin; Frequent infections. Read also Health Understand how good habits can help control diabetes Health Deadlines for care make it difficult to treat diabetes in Brazil Health Sugar during pregnancy and up to 2 years of age increases the risk of diabetes in the future Life & Style Diabetes: three common fruits that help controlling blood sugar Differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes
In a previous interview with Saúde em Dia, partner of Metropolisescardiologist Abrão Cury, from Hcor, Hospital do Coração explained that there are two main types of diabetes.
“Immune substrate diabetes, called type 1 diabetes, which we find most often in children and adolescents and sometimes in young adults. It is a disease of the immune system, where there is, from the beginning, a deficit in insulin production. And he has type 2 diabetes, the most common. It is not a disease that begins due to a deficiency in insulin production, but due to a failure in the action of this insulin”, he said.
Endocrinologist Larissa Figueiredo highlights some symptoms characteristic of each type of diabetes. “Type 1 diabetes usually appears in childhood or adolescence, with symptoms such as weakness, nausea, vomiting and mood changes. Type 2, which is more common in adults, can cause tingling in the hands and feet, frequent infections and blurred vision”, he explains.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of the disease is made through clinical evaluation, medical history and laboratory tests. “The main test to diagnose diabetes is fasting blood glucose, which measures blood sugar levels after a period without food of at least eight hours”, says Larissa.
Another widely used test is glycated hemoglobin, which assesses glucose control over the last three months and does not require fasting.
Furthermore, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), used to assess the body’s response to sugar, was recently updated and now includes an additional measurement after 60 minutes, in addition to the already known measurements at 0 and 120 minutes. This change improves the accuracy of the results.
Treatment and prevention
Endocrinologist Larissa states that prevention of type 1 diabetes is limited, as the disease is related to genetic factors, but the general guideline is to maintain a healthy diet, practice physical exercise and undergo check-ups at least once a year to identify any changes in glucose levels.
“Preventing type 2 diabetes involves lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a balanced diet, rich in fiber and low in sugar, practicing physical activity regularly and controlling weight, especially in people with a family history of the disease. These measures reduce the risk of developing insulin resistance and, consequently, type 2 diabetes”, he comments.
According to the expert, the treatment of type 1 diabetes requires the daily use of insulin to control glucose levels, while type 2 diabetes may include oral medications and, in some cases, insulin. In both cases, changing lifestyle is essential to control the disease.
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Diabetes is a disease whose main characteristic is increased blood sugar levels. Severe and, for much of the time, silent, it can affect various organs of the body, such as: eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart, when left untreated.
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Diabetes arises due to an increase in blood glucose, which is called hyperglycemia. This occurs as a consequence of defects in the secretion or action of the hormone insulin, which is produced in the pancreas.
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The main function of insulin is to promote the entry of glucose into cells, so that they use sugar for cellular activities. The lack of insulin or a defect in its action causes the accumulation of glucose in the blood, which in circulation in the body damages other organs in the body.
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One of the main causes of the disease is poor diet. Bad diets based on processed and sugary foods, for example, can trigger diabetes. Furthermore, lack of physical exercise also contributes to
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Diabetes can be divided into three main types. Type 1, in which the pancreas stops producing insulin, is the least common type and appears from birth. Type 1 carriers need daily insulin injections to maintain normal blood glucose levels.
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Type 2 diabetes is considered the most common disease. It occurs when the patient develops insulin resistance or produces insufficient amounts of the hormone. Treatment includes regular physical activity and diet control
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Gestational diabetes affects pregnant women who, in general, have a family history of the disease. Insulin resistance occurs especially from the second trimester onwards and can cause complications for the baby, such as malformation, prematurity, respiratory problems, among others.
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In addition to these, there are other ways of developing the disease, although rare. Some of them are: due to pancreas diseases, genetic defect, endocrine diseases or medication use
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It is also common to use the term pre-diabetes, which indicates a considerable increase in blood sugar, but not enough to diagnose the disease.
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Diabetes symptoms can vary depending on the type. However, in general, they are: intense thirst, excessive urination and itching on the body. Family history and obesity are risk factors
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Some other signs may also indicate the presence of the disease, such as bony protrusions on the feet and insensitivity in the region, blurred vision, frequent presence of mycoses and infections.
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The diagnosis is made after routine tests, such as the fasting blood glucose test, which measures the amount of glucose in the blood. The reference values are: below 99 mg/dL (normal), between 100 and 125 mg/dL (pre-diabetes), above 126 mg/dL (Diabetes)
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Whatever the type of disease, the main treatment is to control glucose levels. Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise help keep your weight healthy and your glycemic and cholesterol levels under control.
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When diabetes is not treated properly, blood sugar levels can remain high for a long time and cause serious problems for the patient. Some of the complications generated are deafness, neuropathy, cardiovascular diseases, retinoplasty and even depression.
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What common misconceptions exist about the symptoms of diabetes that can delay diagnosis?
**Interview with Dr. Larissa Figueiredo, Endocrinologist, on Diabetes Awareness Day**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Figueiredo. Thank you for joining us today on this important occasion of Diabetes Awareness Day. Could you start by telling us why it’s crucial to raise awareness about diabetes?
**Dr. Figueiredo:** Thank you for having me. Raising awareness is vital because diabetes is often a silent disease. Many people don’t realize they have it until complications arise. Education can empower individuals to recognize symptoms early and seek medical help promptly.
**Editor:** You mentioned symptoms. What are some key indicators that someone might have diabetes?
**Dr. Figueiredo:** Certainly. Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, and persistent fatigue. Additionally, tingling in the hands or feet and slow-healing wounds can signal the onset of diabetes. If anyone is experiencing these symptoms, I encourage them to consult their healthcare provider.
**Editor:** According to the International Diabetes Federation, many people only discover their diabetes after complications have set in. Why does this happen?
**Dr. Figueiredo:** It’s unfortunate, but diabetes can develop with very subtle symptoms, especially in type 2 diabetes. Many people mistakenly attribute these symptoms to stress, aging, or other benign causes. This reinforces the importance of regular health check-ups, especially for those with risk factors like a family history of diabetes or obesity.
**Editor:** Speaking of risk factors, what preventative measures can individuals take, particularly for type 2 diabetes?
**Dr. Figueiredo:** Prevention of type 2 diabetes focuses on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes a balanced diet low in sugars and processed foods, regular physical activity, and weight management. For those with a family history, it’s especially crucial to monitor blood glucose levels consistently.
**Editor:** What about treatment for those already diagnosed? How does it differ between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
**Dr. Figueiredo:** Type 1 diabetes is typically treated with daily insulin injections since the body doesn’t produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes, however, can often be managed with lifestyle changes and oral medications, although insulin may also be necessary for some individuals. The key in both cases is to maintain regular medical supervision to adjust treatment as needed.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Figueiredo, for sharing your insights on diabetes. Do you have any final thoughts for our readers on this Diabetes Awareness Day?
**Dr. Figueiredo:** Yes, I would like to emphasize the importance of self-awareness regarding your health. Understanding diabetes, identifying risk factors, and recognizing symptoms can make a significant difference in outcomes. Let’s work together to demystify diabetes and promote a healthier future for everyone.
**Editor:** Thank you once again, Dr. Figueiredo, for your valuable information. We hope our readers take your advice to heart this Diabetes Awareness Day.