Diabetes Mellitus Prevention

November 14, 2024 – World Diabetes Day. This day serves as an important reminder to all humanity that the prevalence of the disease is steadily increasing.

Diabetes Day has been observed since 1991 to draw the attention of the world community to the problem of diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by chronically elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), developing as a result of insufficient insulin production (secretion) or reduced sensitivity of the body's cells to insulin.

Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrinological disease in the world. The initial stages of this disease, at which the pathological process can still be halted, are practically asymptomatic – a person does not experience pain or discomfort; the only way to suspect it is to determine blood glucose levels. Diabetes mellitus is dangerous due to its complications. Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Common complications of diabetes mellitus include damage to vision, so-called diabetic retinopathy, impaired kidney function – diabetic nephropathy, and damage to peripheral nerves (polyneuropathy) and blood vessels (angiopathy) with the formation of ulcers and gangrene of the lower extremities.

Risk factors for the development of diabetes mellitus:

Family history of diabetes mellitus (if parents, brothers, or sisters have diabetes mellitus);
Age over 45 years;
Low physical activity;
Overweight and obesity;
Arterial hypertension.

There are two types of diabetes mellitus:

1. Type 1 diabetes mellitus occurs as a result of insufficient insulin production by the pancreas, in childhood and adolescence. The disease is detected when a high initial blood glucose level is found at a young age. Insulin levels in the blood of such patients are reduced. Insulin therapy is used to treat patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

2. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is more common. It is characterized by the fact that insulin is produced not only in the required amount, but also in a larger volume, however, it is not utilized because the tissue cells do not absorb it. Type 2 diabetes may not disrupt insulin synthesis by the pancreas, which provokes slightly different symptoms, as the main changes occurring in the body relate to a decrease in the sensitivity of all tissues to insulin:

Feeling thirsty, dry mouth;
Decreased sensitivity;
Cramps in the lower extremities;
Itching in the perineum;
Poor wound healing;
Appearance of skin problems (infections, fungi);
Decreased muscle tone, general fatigue;
Drowsiness;
Lowered immunity;
Gradual weight gain, obesity;
Problems with hair and nail condition.

Due to the fact that the causes of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus are different, the preventive measures also differ slightly.

Diabetes Prevention

Preventive measures for type 1 diabetes mellitus:
Type 1 diabetes mellitus cannot be prevented, however, following some recommendations can help delay or halt the progression of the disease.

proper nutrition. It is necessary to monitor the amount of artificial additives consumed, reduce the intake of canned foods rich in fats and carbohydrates. The diet should be varied, balanced, and also include fruits and vegetables.
prevention of infectious and viral diseases, which are among the causes of diabetes mellitus.
giving up alcohol and tobacco. It is known that the harm from these products is enormous for every organism; by giving up alcoholic beverages and smoking, the risk of developing diabetes mellitus can be significantly reduced.

People over 45 years of age, as well as those with relatives with diabetes mellitus, are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Timely blood glucose level checks will allow early detection of the disease and timely initiation of treatment.

Since obesity is the main cause of diabetes mellitus development after heredity, the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus should begin with dietary adjustments, moderate physical activity, weight control, maintaining mental balance, controlling emotional state, regular medical examinations, and health check-ups.

Pay close attention to your health. Take care of yourself!

State Institution "Rossonsky RCGE", November 2024