Diabetes | A Silent Epidemic that is Only Growing

On World Diabetes Day, celebrated on 11/14, it’s time to make an important reminder: diabetes is the fastest growing non-communicable chronic disease in the world. According to the latest survey by the International Diabetes Federation, 537 million people live with the disease worldwide, and by 2045, It is estimated to be 783 million.

These are eye-catching numbers, but how to prevent them? What are the signs and symptoms? What are the risks?

To begin with, let’s understand what the disease is
Diabetes is characterized by a rise in blood glucose levels, generated by a lack of production of the hormone insulin or by resistance of the body’s cells to the effect of insulin.

Insulin is responsible for transporting glucose into the cells, where it is converted into energy. The lack of this control increases the glucose in the blood, which can lead to diabetes.

Among the types of the disease, the most commonly known are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Less prevalent, type 1 is considered an autoimmune disease and is usually detected in childhood. Type 2, on the other hand, is the most common and is mainly linked to lifestyle.

Causes and risk factors
Diabetes is associated with genetic and lifestyle factors. Poor eating habits, rich in processed and ultra-processed food products, and a sedentary lifestyle are a breeding ground for the disease. Family history of the disease, age over 45, polycystic ovary syndrome are other causes associated with diabetes.

Signs and symptoms of a silent disease
The sharp rise in cases of the disease worldwide is worrying, especially since half of all diabetic people do not know they have the disease. This is because in the vast majority of cases, type 2 diabetes does not cause symptoms.

However, years after the onset of the disease, blood glucose levels become very high, and some signs usually appear. These are: weight loss, excessive hunger and thirst, frequent urination, and increased urine volume.

If the diabetes is not controlled, tingling in the feet and hands, wounds that take time to heal, blurred vision, and frequent infections of the bladder, skin, and kidneys can also occur.

High Health Impact Consequences
In the long run, high blood glucose can have great impacts on the body. Among the main risks are cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks, strokes, and clogged arteries, especially in the legs and feet, as well as the formation of aneurysms.

Other consequences are retinopathy (damage to the retina, tissue at the bottom of the eyeball, leading to blindness), kidney failure, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), and amputations due to wounds that can develop into gangrene, such as diabetic foot.

How to prevent and treat?
Dietary planning and physical activity are important to help control diabetes. Some people are able to control type 2 diabetes in this way, but others may need specific medications.

Healthy eating, based on natural or minimally processed foods and rich in nutrients, is essential. Recent studies indicate that a carbohydrate-reduced diet is highly beneficial for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, a strategy recognized by the American Diabetes Association.

Physical exercises are another pillar of support for the prevention and treatment of the disease. The recommendation is at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week, spread over at least three days, and complemented by strength training.

Follow your health periodically, adopt a healthy lifestyle, prevent diabetes!

To learn more, visit the website of the Brazilian Diabetes Society and the American Diabetes Association