Профилактика диабета

Diabetes prevention

November 14, 2023 – World Diabetes Day.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic endocrine disease caused by a deficiency in insulin production or its insufficient activity.

The following types of diabetes mellitus are distinguished:

  • Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent);
  • Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent).

Diabetes Mellitus: Symptoms

Diabetes mellitus often does not manifest immediately. The disease remains in a "dormant" state in the human body, giving no outward signs. It is often detected during a preventive examination through a general blood and urine test. It is not uncommon for diabetes to be identified, for example, by an ophthalmologist or a dentist during an examination of the fundus or oral cavity.

The signs of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are different. However, there are a number of symptoms characteristic of both types of diabetes:

  • intense, unquenchable thirst;
  • frequent urination;
  • uncontrollable hunger;
  • rapid weight loss;
  • sudden deterioration of vision;
  • increased fatigue and general weakness;
  • numbness and tingling in the lower and upper extremities;
  • slow-healing skin lesions;
  • itching in the genital area and skin itching.

The severity of symptoms depends on the duration of the disease, its severity, and the individual characteristics of the patient's immune system. Some patients may have all symptoms clearly expressed, while in others they are barely noticeable or absent altogether.

Complications of diabetes mellitus: hyperosmolar coma, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macro- and microangiopathy, diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy, specific skin lesions, and some others.

Prevention of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus type 1

includes the following methods:

  • prevention and timely treatment of viral diseases;
  • breastfeeding of children up to 1-1.5 years old;
  • hardening, moderate, age-appropriate physical activity;
  • developing stress resistance;
  • natural balanced nutrition.

Prevention of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus type 2 (adult-onset diabetes)

Approximately 95 percent of all "diabetics" have the second type. This is a serious illness that cannot be cured, although each of us can reduce the possibility of its occurrence. Moreover, all methods of diabetes prevention are also suitable for improving your health if you already have diabetes.

The main causes of this disease include, first and foremost, age: after 40 years, the risk significantly increases. The second factor is excess weight. The third cause is heredity (genetic predisposition). High blood pressure also often accompanies this ailment. Insufficient physical activity (hypodynamia) is another factor contributing to the development of diabetes.

1. Healthy eating (diet).

- Reduce carbohydrate intake to avoid overloading the pancreas unnecessarily, and limit calorie intake to prevent further weight gain; significantly limit (sometimes completely exclude) easily digestible carbohydrates (sugar, sweets) from the diet. With excess weight, reduce calorie content, follow a special fractional diet – 5-6 times a day.

- Increase the proportion of vegetables and fruits in the diet, excluding raisins, grapes, bananas, and potatoes, as they contain a large amount of glucose, which is strictly not recommended. Dishes made from cabbage, beets, carrots, eggplants, tomatoes, radishes, cucumbers, zucchini, turnips, bell peppers, green beans, apples, citrus fruits, and berries are most beneficial, as they contain cellulose and fiber, which are necessary for slower glucose absorption. Bran can be added to soups and porridges during cooking. Drinks can include fermented dairy products, fruit drinks, compotes, and herbal decoctions.

- Replace 50-70% of animal fats with vegetable oils. When developing your new diet, consider including lean meat, fish, and seafood boiled, stewed, and baked. Fatty meat, poultry, butter, and fried foods should generally be excluded from the menu. It is also necessary to limit pasta, bread, cereals, spicy, savory, and smoked dishes. Alcoholic beverages will have to be completely excluded, as even a small amount of alcohol in the body reduces glucose uptake from the liver.

2. Daily physical activity.

- Engage in physical activity for at least half an hour daily (aerobics, fitness). If 30 minutes at once is difficult, dedicate 10 minutes to your health three times a day. This could be a walk in the park with friends, family, or alone with a player. Go swimming, dance, play tennis, or ride a bicycle. The key is that physical activity brings you pleasure. Therefore, avoid experimenting with intense workouts, especially if you are over 40.

- Find opportunities to be active every day:

  • Walk up and down the stairs – forget the elevator;
  • Walk to the store, laundry, or cafe;
  • On your way to work, choose a bus stop that is further from home;
  • If you have a car, park it further from your destination and walk;
  • At your dacha, don't just relax in a hammock, but also plant something beneficial for your diet;
  • Spend time with your children and play active games with them;
  • Visit markets, exhibitions, beaches, and parks.

3. Maintain emotional balance.

- You can maintain a normal emotional state yourself: minimize contact with negatively-minded people and remain calm. Also: "Quit smoking!". Smoking will not truly calm you down, and the nicotine entering your body will contribute to the progression of diabetes and its complications.

4. Monitor your blood pressure.

- High blood pressure can lead to impaired carbohydrate metabolism in the body. Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are closely linked, so the better an adult monitors their blood pressure, the more reliably they will protect their blood vessels.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones!

State Institution "Rassonsky RTCGE", 2023.