Diabetes is a chronic condition where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar (glucose) levels. Uncontrolled diabetes leads to hyperglycemia (increased blood glucose levels), which causes damage to various systems in the body, particularly the nerves and blood vessels.
Main Symptoms:
- Excessive urination
- Thirst
- Constant hunger
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
Types:
- Type 1 (Insulin-Dependent): Characterized by insufficient insulin production. The causes are not well understood, making it practically impossible to prevent the disease.
- Type 2 (Non-Insulin Dependent): Occurs due to the body’s ineffective use of insulin. Most cases of this type are associated with being overweight and a lack of physical activity.
- Gestational: Characterized by high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, increasing the likelihood of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Risks and Complications:
- Adults with diabetes are 2-3 times more likely to develop heart attacks and strokes.
- The overall risk of death among people with diabetes is at least double that of people of the same age who do not have diabetes. Diabetes accounts for 6.2% of deaths worldwide.
- Reduced blood flow due to damaged blood vessels, combined with nerve damage, significantly increases the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and eventually amputation.
- Damage to the retina – diabetic retinopathy, which arises from damage to small blood vessels, causes 1% of cases of blindness.
- It is a leading cause of kidney failure.
Statistics:
The prevalence of diabetes in Ukraine has increased by half over the past 10 years. In 2016, over 1.2 million people in Ukraine had diabetes. Insulin-dependent diabetes (Type 1) accounts for 6.5% of all cases. Almost 3% of primary disability among the adult population in Ukraine is due to diabetes.
Prevention:
Preventing Type 2 involves simple measures to maintain a healthy lifestyle:
- Achieving and maintaining a normal body weight.
- Being physically active, dedicating at least 150 minutes a week to regular physical activity.
- Following a healthy diet, reducing the intake of sugar and saturated fats.
- Refraining from smoking.
Adhering to these preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease and its complications, ensuring a healthier and more active life.
Do not neglect your health – consult with doctors.