Endocrinologist at the Cleveland Clinic in the United States, Dr. M., said: Cecilia Lansang Infected people With type 2 diabetes They can live normal, healthy lives, but the disease must be diagnosed and treated before glucose fluctuations cause damage to blood vessels, which can lead to serious complications. The specialist’s statements came before the events of World Diabetes Day, which falls on November 14 of each year.
Insulin deficiency
The endocrinologist at the Cleveland Clinic in the United States explained that diabetes is a medical condition whose main characteristic is high blood glucose, and is classified into several types.
In type 2 diabetes, the body does not respond normally to insulin, or may develop insulin resistance, a condition that makes it appear that the body is not producing enough insulin. Insulin. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that one in 10 adults around the world has diabetes, 90% of them have type 2, and about half of them have not yet been diagnosed.
Acute and chronic complications
“Diabetes can cause damage to small and large blood vessels, which may lead to acute and chronic complications,” Dr. Lansang said. “Acute complications may include very low or very high blood sugar levels, while chronic complications may include damage to blood sugar.” Nerves, heart, eyes, and intestines, which may lead to serious complications such as amputation of limbs, the need for a kidney transplant, or blindness.”
Common symptoms
Dr. Lansang pointed out that common symptoms of diabetes include an increased need to urinate, thirst, etc. “The body excretes excess sugar through urine, which increases the need for frequent urination, which may lead to dehydration,” she said.
The body’s excretion of excess sugar can also reduce the amount of calories the body absorbs, leading to weight loss. But these symptoms are often found in people with type 1 diabetes, while patients with type 2 diabetes often tend to be overweight and obese.
Dr. Lansang explained that glucose fluctuations may lead to fatigue, fatigue, blurred vision, and a tingling feeling in the feet, and those affected may also notice slow healing of their wounds.
She warned that blood sugar levels may rise gradually, and the body begins to adapt to the high sugar levels, which may make them not feel any changes in their lives. She said, “In fact, those affected may not complain of any symptoms until the damage occurs, so it is important for individuals to conduct diabetes tests regularly.”
Dr. Lansang pointed out that recommendations for testing vary from one health authority to another, and that some individuals may be more susceptible than others to developing type 2 diabetes, so individuals should talk to their health care provider about the frequency of their testing. She indicated that individuals aged 35 years and above must undergo a basic examination. If the results are normal, they must undergo examinations every 3 subsequent years.
Groups most vulnerable to infection
She added that individuals whose blood sugar levels are revealed by tests should conduct tests more frequently, as they may be among the groups most vulnerable to infection, which includes individuals who are overweight, obese, and those infected. High blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol, individuals with a family history of diabetes, women with polycystic ovary syndrome, or who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
Lifestyle change
Dr. Lansang explained that the good news is that lifestyle changes may help prevent type 2 diabetes, and in some cases delay or reverse the development of the disease, noting that these changes include maintaining a healthy weight and following a diet. A balanced diet includes vegetables, proteins, good fats and carbohydrates, and regular exercise. She added that treatment may include taking medications such as: Metformin.
She added, “Weight reduction in particular can have a positive impact on insulin resistance. Even reducing weight by a small percentage ranging between 5-10% can contribute to reducing glucose levels.”
Dr. Lansang explained, “In addition to metformin, there is a wide range of treatment options for diabetes, which have become available to patients, as some of them can treat diseases associated with diabetes.”
“Individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes should talk to their doctors about new treatment methods and which option or combination of options is appropriate for their condition,” the doctor said.
The treatment program is planned according to the condition of each patient and the accompanying diseases such as weight problems, coronary artery disease, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease. In addition, the program may involve trying some treatments until the appropriate treatment is reached, as the patient’s condition may require reducing medication doses to avoid falls in the elderly, or avoid serious and severe complications such as a significant drop in blood sugar.”
Dr. Lansang concluded by saying, “World Diabetes Day is an ideal opportunity to remind individuals of the need to take the necessary measures, such as screening, adopting healthy lifestyle choices, and exploring available treatment options, so that they can protect themselves from, delay, or reverse this widespread disease.” its development, or dealing with it and avoiding its serious complications.”
