Diabetes is a chronic disease
Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by increased blood glucose levels. Glucose is the body's main source of energy and is obtained from food.
There are two main types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes: It is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks and destroys the beta cells of the pancreas, responsible for producing insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose enter cells.
Type 2 diabetes: It is the most common form of diabetes. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or when insulin does not work properly.
Diabetes symptoms can vary depending on the type of diabetes and the severity of the disease. The most common symptoms are:
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Weightloss
Fatigue
Blurry vision
Wounds that take time to heal
Complications of diabetes can be serious and can affect the entire body. The most common complications are:
Cardiovascular disease: Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and other vascular diseases.
Kidney disease: Diabetes can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney failure.
Eye disease: Diabetes can damage the eyes and cause blindness.
Nerve disease: Diabetes can damage the nerves and cause tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands and feet.
Periodontal disease: Diabetes increases the risk of periodontal disease.
La prevención de la diabetes tipo 2 se basa en la adopción de hábitos de vida saludables, como:
Mantener un peso saludable
Realizar actividad física regular
Seguir una dieta saludable
No fumar
Diabetes treatment is based on three pillars: diet, physical exercise and medication. The goal of treatment is to maintain blood glucose levels within normal limits to minimize the risk of complications associated with the disease.
The diabetes diet should be healthy and balanced. It should include a variety of foods from all food groups, but with an emphasis on high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also important to limit your intake of added sugars, saturated fats and trans fats.
Regular physical exercise is important for everyone, but it is especially important for people with diabetes. Exercise helps control blood glucose levels, improve weight control and reduce the risk of complications associated with the disease.
Diabetes medication may be necessary to control blood glucose levels in people who cannot control the disease with diet and exercise. Types of diabetes medications include:
insulin injections
Oral medications that help the body make or use insulin
Medications that help reduce the amount of glucose the body produces
Regular medical follow-up is important for people with diabetes. The doctor must monitor blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels to ensure that the disease is controlled and that no complications occur.
Diabetes is a serious disease that can have a significant impact on the health and quality of life of people who suffer from it. However, with proper treatment and regular medical follow-up, people with diabetes can live a long and healthy life.
Here are some additional tips to prevent type 2 diabetes:
If you have a family history of diabetes, talk to your doctor about your risk.
If you are overweight or obese, lose weight. Even modest weight loss can help reduce your risk of diabetes.
Exercise regularly. At least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week.
Eat healthy. Choose foods rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit your intake of added sugars, saturated fats, and trans fats.
If you have any of the symptoms of diabetes, see your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes can help prevent serious complications.