Harmless situation.
In a world where health and wellness are paramount, it's crucial to shed light on a chronic metabolic disorder that affects millions worldwide: diabetes. This article aims to provide insights into the signs of elevated blood sugar levels, the risks associated with diabetes, and effective ways to reduce personal diabetes risk.
Diabetes, a serious condition, can lead to dangerous changes in the body's blood vessels and nerve damage due to elevated blood sugar levels. If left unchecked, it can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other complications such as amputations, kidney disorders, and sexual dysfunction.
Signs that could indicate an elevated blood sugar level include frequent urination, increased thirst, increased hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds or infections, and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms occur due to the body's impaired ability to manage glucose levels, often from decreased insulin sensitivity or insufficient insulin production.
To determine if one might already be diabetic, medical testing is required. Common diagnostic tests include the fasting blood glucose test, HbA1c test, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). If you experience symptoms or have risk factors (like family history, excess weight, or inactivity), it's essential to consult a healthcare provider to get tested and receive appropriate advice.
Effective ways to reduce personal diabetes risk include adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing weight, quitting smoking, and limiting sugar and refined carbohydrate intake. Regular exercise, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, combined with strength training 2-3 times weekly, can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
Eating a balanced diet, prioritizing whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and vegetables while cutting back on sugary drinks, processed snacks, and excess carbohydrates, can also help lower diabetes risk. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking are other crucial factors in reducing diabetes risk.
For those seeking guidance, diabetes advisors are available for consultation free of charge at 0800-0004743. Michaela Berger and Yvonne Häusler are diabetes advisors available for consultation on Monday, October 4, from 2pm to 6pm. They can provide information on the signs of elevated blood sugar levels, reducing personal diabetes risk, and protecting oneself from diabetes.
Early detection of diabetes is crucial, especially during the corona pandemic. For well-controlled diabetics without accompanying and secondary diseases, the risk of a severe Covid-19 course is not increased. However, it's essential to remember that diabetes, like any chronic condition, requires careful management to ensure a healthy and fulfilling life.
References:
[1] American Diabetes Association. (2020). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2020. Diabetes Care, 43(Suppl 1), S1-S202.
[2] Diabetes UK. (2020). Diabetes: prevention. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/prevention
[3] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020). Type 2 Diabetes: Your Questions Answered. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/type-2
[4] World Health Organization. (2020). Diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
[5] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Type 2 diabetes: Prevention & treatment. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/in-depth/type-2-diabetes/art-20046143
- Science reveals that diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder, can lead to severe complications such as heart attacks, strokes, amputations, kidney disorders, and sexual dysfunction due to elevated blood sugar levels.
- In order to determine if one might already be diabetic, medical testing is required. This might involve the fasting blood glucose test, HbA1c test, or oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
- Effective ways to reduce personal diabetes risk include adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular fitness and exercise, managing weight, quitting smoking, and limiting sugar and refined carbohydrate intake.
- For those seeking guidance on diabetes, mental health advisors are available for consultation, providing information on the signs of elevated blood sugar levels, reducing personal diabetes risk, and protecting oneself from diabetes.