Diabetes Mellitus or simply diabetes? how is it best known? It is a serious disease (although many people do not realize it), considered a public health problem, not only in Brazil, but in several countries of the world.
Orthomolecular physician Gilberto Kocerginsky points out that, according to data from the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology (SBE), there are about 12 million diabetics diagnosed in the country.? Most of these cases are related to type 2 of the disease. However, it is known that about just under half (around 40%) of type 2 diabetics are undiagnosed, which may thus further increase the number of SBE ?, he comments.
Diabetes affects both female and male audiences and can occur in any age group. But in general, the prevalence is higher in people over 18 years.
Endocrinologist Francisco Tostes points out that the main risk groups for the disease are: sedentary individuals, with poor diet, overweight or obesity and the elderly.
What is diabetes?
"Diabetes, or medically speaking Diabetes Mellitus, is a metabolic disorder related to the inability to properly metabolize glucose due to absence, deficiency or resistance to insulin (hormone responsible for putting glucose into the cell), leading to increased blood glucose." explains Kocerginsky.
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Diabetes Mellitus is a serious disease as it increases the risk of complications in major organs such as kidneys, eyes, blood vessels and nerves. But, it is noteworthy, these problems can be prevented with good glycemic control.
Different types of diabetes
Briefly, Kocerginsky points out, Diabetes Mellitus can be divided into Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, Type 1 late onset and other causes.
Type 1 "It is related to childhood onset and the body becomes unable to produce insulin properly due to the destruction of the cells responsible for producing insulin in the pancreas," says Kocerginsky.
Type 2 It is lifestyle related and appears around 40 to 50 years of age and develops due to dietary error (overuse of simple carbohydrates for long periods / years, and sedentary lifestyle), leading to a gradual winding resistance of insulin by the cell to the point that the insulin can not perform its function and culminate in the production failure due to wear (overwork) of the pancreas (type 2 in the terminal phase) ?, explains the orthomolecular doctor.
Gestational diabetes. The condition in which hyperglycaemia (increased blood glucose levels) is first recognized during pregnancy. The problem may or may not persist after delivery.
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Other types They may be due to genetic defects associated with other diseases or medication use.
Pre-diabetes: what does it mean?
Kocerginsky explains that prediabetes is related to type 2 disease. When we begin to have resistance to the use of insulin produced by the pancreas, glucose gives a slight increase, but not much, and insulin also increases to try to get glucose into the cell. Usually this patient is overweight or obese and has a bad lifestyle. Recognizing the problem, just treat it, that prevents the progression to diabetes ?, says.
Causes of Diabetes Mellitus
Tostes explains that in the case of type 1 DM, which is an autoimmune disease, the cause is a defect in insulin action.
? Already DM2 has as its main mechanism insulin resistance. That is, the individual produces insulin, but the hormone cannot act properly ?, adds the endocrinologist.
In the case of gestational diabetes, the exact cause is not yet known. What is known, however, is that during pregnancy, the placenta produces high levels of different hormones and they can impair the action of insulin in cells, increasing the level of sugar in the blood.
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Diagnosis of the disease
Tostes explains that the diagnosis is made by measuring blood glucose. Values from 126 mg / dl fasting or tolerance testing greater than 200 mg / dl point to diabetes. Still, this same value (200 mg / dl) found casually in individuals with characteristic symptoms such as weight loss, excessive thirst and who are urinating a lot are also indicative of the disease ?, he says.
"It is often necessary to repeat the test to confirm the diagnosis," adds the endocrinologist.
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Kocerginsky explains that the classic triad leading to diabetes diagnosis is: polydipsia (increased thirst / fluid intake); polyphagia (increased hunger / appetite) and polyuria (increased urination and volume).
"The biggest problem is that, in type 2, the symptoms go unnoticed and the diagnosis is late," says the orthomolecular doctor.
Another way to get to the diagnosis is through the complications of diabetes, such as recurrent skin infection, onset of a vision problem, vascular problems. In more severe cases, ketoacidosis (in type 1) and hyperosmolar state (in type 2) ?, adds Kocerginsky.
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Tostes reinforces that, in most cases, the disease may not show symptoms, "but it is still capable of causing kidney and eye damage and increasing the chance of events such as stroke and heart attack."
But in a nutshell, they can be highlighted as possible symptoms of diabetes, which should not be ignored:
- Weight loss;
- Excessive thirst;
- Dry mouth;
- Malaise;
- Tiredness;
- Blurry vision;
- Increased appetite;
- Increased urination and volume.
"If in doubt and / or the appearance of signs or symptoms, the patient should seek medical attention to diagnose and guide treatment," says Kocerginsky.
Treatments and care
Change of habits. Francisco Tostes points out that, at the time of diagnosis, it is already recommended that changes in lifestyle, such as balanced diet and physical activity, are made. "These measures may be sufficient to prevent or even suspend drug treatment after some time," he says.
Medicines and insulin. "Currently, new classes of oral drugs and insulin are being launched to make the treatment more effective, convenient and with a lower incidence of side effects," adds the endocrinologist.
Remember that this is a serious disease, should be controlled, always with medical advice and important attitudes adopted by the patient.
Risks of Not Treating Diabetes
There are numerous problems of not treating diabetes. As Kocerginsky points out, the disease, if not controlled, can lead to:
- Heart disease (is a risk factor for increased chance of heart attack);
- Vascular diseases (stroke, peripheral diseases);
- Kidney disease (leading to kidney failure);
- Blindness;
- Peripheral nerve diseases;
- Dementias;
- Repetitive and severe infections;
- Complicated metabolic states;
- Death.
How to take care of your health with the right diet
Check out the main guidelines of professionals:
1. Control the load and glycemic index. Kocerginsky points out that the type 2 patient's diet should have a tightly controlled load and glycemic index, emphasizing lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and fiber.
2. Take care with the consumption of fat. "The use of fats should be limited and restricted to good fats," adds Kocerginsky.
3. Be careful about carbohydrate consumption. "Type 2 diabetics should avoid the use of simple carbohydrates, flour and refined products," remembers the orthomolecular doctor.
4. Consume water. Proper intake of water contributes to kidney health in the diabetic. Remember that soda (of any kind) should be avoided ?, highlights Kocerginsky.
5. Seek a nutritionist. Tostes points out that the diabetic should seek advice from a nutritionist who preferably has experience in the area. "Caring for the amount and choice of carbohydrates, fiber inclusion, limitation in the intake of bad fats and protein restriction in those who already have impaired renal function are some of the points to be addressed," he says.
The rights of those with diabetes
Tostes explains that, in the case of SUS (Unified Health System), the patient has access to some types of medication and insulin, in addition to the device and tapes for measuring blood glucose. "It should receive care from a multidisciplinary team that can be composed of doctors, nutritionists, nurses and other professionals, such as psychologists, when indicated," he says.
"In the case of patients with diabetes in the private network, he has access to care, examinations and clinics of his partner network," adds the endocrinologist.
How to prevent diabetes
Kocerginsky points out that type 1 is not yet known how to avoid. But in the case of type 2, with two little words: lifestyle! Does the person doing regular physical activities and taking care of food have everything to prevent diabetes ?, concludes the doctor.
Although it is not yet possible to talk about cure for Diabetes Mellitus, there are already studies being conducted to lead to the discovery of a cure for this disease, which unfortunately has a high prevalence in Brazil and worldwide.
Understanding Type 2 Diabetes (April 2024)
- Prevention and Treatment
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