Risk of serious complications
By Roxanne Vis · 2 minutes ago · Edited: 1 minute ago
© Anna Schoemaker – Precious StoriesRTL
Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions. And contrary to what many people think, according to the Diabetes Fund, it is not ‘easy to live with’. The good news? If you catch it in time, you can still do a lot to prevent misery. Karolina Wolvekamp (51) has experienced this firsthand.
The diagnosis came as a bolt from the blue for Karolina seven and a half years ago. Her diabetes was discovered accidentally during a blood test when she went to the gynecologist for something completely different. “I was on the scooter when I received a call from my doctor. When I listened to my voicemail, I was informed that I had type 2 diabetes and that medication was available for me. That was a blow, I had not seen it at all. arrive.”
This is often the case with type 2 diabetes, says Diena Halbertsma, director of the Diabetes Fund. “The insidious thing about this disease is that the symptoms are vague, so you hardly notice that you are walking around with it. Symptoms include: being tired a lot, blurred vision, being very thirsty, having to urinate often, wounds that heal poorly, infections that often come back .”
“People can therefore walk around with type 2 diabetes for a long time without knowing it. In addition, people walk around with elevated blood sugar levels, prediabetes, for an average of ten years before they actually reach the type 2 diabetes stage. And even without complaints, you already have a chance of developing diabetes. permanent damage to your body.”
Overweight and stress
Karolina didn’t notice anything at all, but she belonged to the risk group. She had a hereditary condition – her grandmother and uncle also had type 2 diabetes – and during one of her pregnancies she had already been diagnosed with a precursor of gestational diabetes. If you have had gestational diabetes, the chance that you will develop type 2 diabetes within five to ten years is 50 percent. In addition, Karolina was overweight and a lot of stress: two more factors that increase the risk of the disease.
Type 2 diabetes is ten times more common than type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that causes the body to no longer produce insulin. 1.1 million Dutch people have type 2. Their body no longer responds well to the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar, or produces too little of it. Type 2 diabetes used to be called ‘old-age diabetes’ because it mainly occurred in older people. But nowadays it occurs at an increasingly younger age, the Diabetes Fund sees.
Also in children and young people
Halbertsma: “The average age at which people get it is still 60 years old, but unfortunately it is not limited to the elderly. There are an estimated 1,400 teenagers who have it, 4,900 in their twenties and 18,000 in their thirties. We also hear from pediatricians that they are increasingly more often encounter elevated blood sugar levels in children and young people. That is downright shocking.”
© Anna Schoemaker – Precious StoriesKarolina: “I would like to live a long time, so I will do everything for that.”
Many people underestimate the disease, says Halbertsma. “People think it’s not too bad and that you can live with it, but half of all people with type 2 diabetes develop serious complications of the heart and kidneys, vascular or eye diseases. It damages your blood vessels and they are everywhere. in your body. Many people do not realize that with type 2 diabetes you have a much higher risk of strokes, for example. In very serious cases it can even lead to blindness or amputations of limbs.”
Unhealthy lifestyle
Karolina, a nurse by training, immediately recognized the seriousness of the situation. Still, she decided not to take medication, but instead to change her entire lifestyle. “I knew that you can achieve a lot with this. So I went to a dietician and gradually changed my whole life. I started exercising more, eating healthier and also tackled the causes of my unhealthy lifestyle.”
“There was a lot going on in my life and food offered me comfort. For a long time I took care of everyone except myself. I started working on those patterns. I think that is a prerequisite for such a lifestyle change. to succeed, otherwise you will quickly revert to your old behavior.”
Crying with happiness
The effect was great for Karolina: she lost a total of 30 kilos and was told last week that her blood values are better than ever. “They are just as good as those of a healthy person. So I have really managed to turn it around in seven and a half years. You don’t know how happy I was when I heard that. I am crying to my husband with happiness and relief. the arms fell. I just did it.
So you see, there is often more possible than medication. It’s not easy, I will have to pay attention to what I eat for the rest of my life. It remains a daily struggle for me. But I know what I’m doing it for. I don’t want to have a heart attack and certainly not a brain hemorrhage or amputation. I keep that image in mind. I want to live a long time, so I will do everything for that.”
Take the risk test
The sooner you get involved, the better, the Diabetes Fund also wants to make clear with an awareness campaign. Director Diena Halbertsma: “1.4 million Dutch people are living with prediabetes, a preliminary phase in which blood sugar levels are already elevated. These people are 9 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. But the good news is that if you improve your lifestyle in time, you can prevent type 2 diabetes. And if you already have it, you can reduce the chance of serious complications by living a healthier lifestyle. Knowing in time that you are at risk is therefore important to prevent major health damage. That is why we warn: check your diabetes risk.”
Unhealthy eating and drinking, little exercise, a lot of stress, smoking, poor sleep, obesity, heredity, ethnic background and aging play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes. What is your risk for type 2 diabetes? You can check that with the Diabetes Risk Test on diabetesfonds.nl. Of the more than 278,000 people who completed the Diabetes Risk Test in the past five months, 1 in 3 turned out to have a high risk. Are you in the danger zone? The doctor can then use a blood test to determine whether you may already have type 2 diabetes.
Understanding the Risk of Serious Complications from Type 2 Diabetes
By Your Friendly Diabetes Detective
Look, not to sugarcoat it—pun fully intended—type 2 diabetes is creeping up on us quicker than your mate’s excuse for leaving the party early. And believe me, it’s not just about avoiding having a slice of cake now and then. Let’s dig into the juicy details of this unwelcome guest at the dinner table of our health.
Diagnosis: A Cruel Surprise
So, we met Karolina—a nurse, a scooter fan, and suddenly… diabetic? Imagine zipping along on your scooter, feeling all carefree, and then boom! Your doctor drops the news like it’s a bombshell on a reality show. “Surprise! You have type 2 diabetes!” And she thought it was just a regular day! Talk about a plot twist—like when you find out the cake in the fridge isn’t actually for you!
As Karolina discovered, this sneaky condition often gives you symptoms so vague, you’d think you were getting older, not getting diabetes. Tiredness, blurry vision, and excessive thirst? Sounds like my Monday morning after a weekend of questionable decisions.
More Common Than You Think!
Now let’s get serious for a moment. Type 2 diabetes isn’t just the business of the older generation anymore. It’s invading the lives of teenagers faster than TikTok trends go viral. We’re talking 1,400 teenagers with diabetes, folks! If you think your biggest health concern is whether you’ll fit into your jeans after holiday feasting, you might want to think again. Seriously, let’s prioritize those blood sugars!
The Silent Countdown
Here’s the kicker: Most people are cruising along with elevated blood sugar levels for an average of ten years before they even realize they’ve started their stealthy journey toward full-blown diabetes. That’s like riding a rollercoaster with your eyes closed—everything seems fine until that cringeworthy drop kicks in! Half of those affected end up with serious complications—heart issues, kidney problems, you name it. It’s like being invited to a party where everybody ends up on crutches. Not ideal.
Changing Course
Now, let’s get Karolina back on the scene. Instead of reaching for the meds, she decided to flip her script—because a chronic disease shouldn’t win, right? She lost a whopping 30 kilograms! That’s more than I lose during a typical Netflix binge. She turned her life around so much that if she were to run for office as ‘Health Ambassador’, I’d vote for her in a heartbeat. This is what fueled her: the image of avoiding a stroke, blind spots, and amputation. Who’s thinking about that when they’re reaching for another cupcake?
Take Home Message: You Can Control Your Fate!
Listen up—this isn’t just a “one for the older folks” episode; type 2 diabetes is a sneak thief. Knowing your risk is important. Do you enjoy your chocolate and late-night snacks? Sure! But it brings up a crucial inquiry: Do you want to end up needing insulin for your sugar addiction? I didn’t think so.
Karolina’s story is a wake-up call—an alarm that rings louder than your mate’s excuses. The Diabetes Fund isn’t just throwing warnings your way; they’re offering hope for change. It’s all about taking that risk test! Because next time you eat that slice of cake, it might just be your last (and not in a dramatic death scene, I hope).
Final Thought
In the end, if you want to avoid playing roulette with your health, get aware and get that risk checked. Your future self will thank you for swapping coffee and cakes for greens and a jog. Remember, taking control is the first step towards winning this fight. You’ve got this, champ!
Check your diabetes risk
T to the encouraging part of Karolina’s story. After her unexpected diagnosis, instead of just popping pills, she opted for a lifestyle transformation. Sometimes, the best remedy isn’t just in the medicine cabinet—it’s all about changing habits and patterns. Shedding 30 kilos and drastically improving her blood values, Karolina turned what could have been a grim fate into a victory narrative. It’s like saving a sinking ship—not only did she patch the leaks, but she also reinforced the hull!
Interview with Karolina Wolvekamp: A Journey Beyond Diagnosis
Editor: Karolina, can you take us back to that moment when you received the diagnosis? What was going through your mind?
Karolina Wolvekamp: It felt surreal—like a punch to the gut. One moment I was on my scooter thinking about the day ahead, and the next, I was being told I had type 2 diabetes. I was shocked; I didn’t feel like I had anything wrong with me. It was a wake-up call I never saw coming.
Editor: You mentioned feeling asymptomatic before your diagnosis. For those listening, what are some of the subtle signs they should be aware of?
Karolina Wolvekamp: Absolutely, that’s the tricky bit. Symptoms like fatigue, blurred vision, intense thirst, and frequent urination can seem so benign at first. I think it’s crucial for everyone to listen to their bodies and not dismiss these feelings as just aging or stress.
Editor: You decided not to take medication right away. What led you to make that choice?
Karolina Wolvekamp: I knew that many people manage their diabetes through lifestyle changes. I wanted to take control of my health, so I consulted a dietician and made that leap to change my eating habits and exercise routine. It wasn’t easy, but I was determined.
Editor: That determination really paid off! Losing 30 kilos and seeing your blood values improve is impressive. How did the changes affect your day-to-day life?
Karolina Wolvekamp: It was life-altering. I started enjoying activities I neglected, like hiking and cooking healthy meals. I also learned to address the emotional triggers behind my eating habits. There were times I felt overwhelmed, but I channeled that energy into positive actions, focusing on long-term health.
Editor: Diena Halbertsma from the Diabetes Fund highlights the serious complications that arise from type 2 diabetes. How does that impact your mindset now?
Karolina Wolvekamp: It’s a constant reminder of what I’m working against. The fear of complications keeps me motivated. I don’t want to just live with diabetes; I want to thrive, prevent potential heart attacks or other severe outcomes, and live a long, healthy life.
Editor: For those listening who may think they’re at risk, what advice would you give them?
Karolina Wolvekamp: Don’t wait until it’s too late! Take any feelings of fatigue or changes in vision seriously. Consult with your doctor and consider taking a diabetes risk test. Awareness is the first step toward prevention—it can save you from a rollercoaster ride of complications.
Editor: Thank you, Karolina, for sharing your story. Your journey is an inspiration, demonstrating that proactive changes can lead to powerful outcomes.
Karolina Wolvekamp: Thank you for having me! Remember, it’s never too late to take charge of your health.
My eating habits, which was just as important. Now, I feel more vibrant and energized than ever before. It’s really about creating a lifestyle that supports my health goals, not just a quick fix.
Editor: You mentioned emotional triggers—how did that play a role in your lifestyle transformation?
Karolina Wolvekamp: For a long time, I turned to food for comfort during stressful times. Recognizing that was key. I started practicing mindfulness and found healthier outlets for my emotions, like yoga and journaling. It’s about reprogramming how I approach my feelings and stress, rather than seeking solace in sweets.
Editor: What advice would you give to someone who might just be getting their diabetes diagnosis or is concerned about their risk?
Karolina Wolvekamp: First and foremost, don’t panic. Take a deep breath and remember that it is possible to change your path. Seek professional help to understand your condition, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. And absolutely, take the Diabetes Risk Test to know your situation. Lastly, surround yourself with support—whether it’s family, friends, or support groups. You don’t have to go through it alone.
Editor: As we wrap up, Karolina, what’s your vision for the future now that you’ve been proactive about your health?
Karolina Wolvekamp: I want to continue living a full, active life. My journey has shown me I can take charge of my health, and I plan to inspire others to do the same. I want to live long enough to enjoy time with my loved ones and see my future grandchildren. It’s all about balance and being mindful of my choices moving forward. I truly believe that a healthy lifestyle can change your life, and I’m living proof of that!
Editor: Thank you, Karolina, for sharing your impactful journey with us. It’s a testament to the power of determination and positive change!
Karolina Wolvekamp: Thank you for having me! Remember, everyone—there’s a bright path ahead if you choose to take it!
