Diabetes is one of the most common chronic non-infectious diseases in the world. Currently, there are approximately 450 million people with type 2 diabetes worldwide – in fact, about one in ten adults receives this diagnosis. Scientists predict that by 2030, there will be 30 million new cases of diabetes diagnosed.
Interesting facts about diabetes:
- Diabetes mellitus" is named so because, in diabetes, urine becomes sweet due to its high glucose content.
- Insulin got its name from the Latin word "insula" ("island") because this hormone is secreted by the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that facilitates glucose entry into cells. Without it, your blood sugar levels rise significantly.
- Before the discovery of insulin in 1921, surgeons rarely performed operations on diabetic patients with gangrene because these patients typically did not heal, ultimately leading to their demise. Doctors often prescribed fasting or semi-starvation diets, with limited food choices, such as oatmeal.
- Approximately 90% of people with type 2 diabetes are also obese. Overeating and a sedentary lifestyle are major contributing factors to this type of diabetes. Throughout human history, people experienced times of scarcity, and it's only in the last 40 years that we've had an abundance of food. This has played a significant role in the development and spread of diabetes because our bodies were not prepared for such a high-calorie intake.
- Diabetes has at least two fundamentally different types:
Type 1 diabetes results from a lack of natural insulin and typically begins at a young age; it can only be managed with insulin,
Type 2 diabetes results from insufficient insulin production and is often linked to unbalanced nutrition and excessive carbohydrate consumption; it can be managed with dietary changes. - Prediabetes, also known as "borderline diabetes," is characterized by a SLIGHT increase in blood glucose levels above the normal range (fasting glucose of 5.5-6.9 mmol/l). This isn't sufficient for a diabetes diagnosis, but it does elevate the risk of serious illnesses. It requires monitoring, regular doctor visits every six months, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and dietary vigilance.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) poses a greater danger than high blood sugar. Hypoglycemia can occur in healthy individuals, including athletes, alcoholics, and those fasting. In this condition, your brain doesn't receive the necessary glucose, leading to gradual impairment. Frequent episodes of hypoglycemia over time can result in speech difficulties and sluggishness.
- Fructose-containing cookies and regular cookies are nearly indistinguishable as both contain roughly the same amount of carbohydrates. Artificial sweeteners, when consumed in excessive amounts, are not beneficial and should be used in moderation.
People with the highest risk of diabetes:
- people with a genetic predisposition to diabetes;
- obese people;
- people with increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides;
- people living a sedentary lifestyle;
- elderly.
Measures to prevent the development of chronic complications of diabetes and their consequences:
- Rational and beneficial nutrition: Maintaining a balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, counting calories. Eating more fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods. Reduce the consumption of simple carbohydrates (baked goods, processed foods, sweets, fast food, etc.).
- Regular physical exercises.
- Body weight reduction in case of excess weight.
- Monitoring of blood pressure.
- Monitoring of lipid metabolism.
- Quitting smoking and alcohol.
- Early detection of complications (regular check-ups with specialists). It is advisable to visit a doctor every 3-6 months. This will help you understand how correct your chosen path is, avoid mistakes, minimize risks, and complications.
- Treatment of existing complications and prevention of their further progression.
To help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes, plant-based complexes can be beneficial. Among such remedies, a unique plant-based complex called Glibofit holds a special place. Glibofit, with its carefully selected components, contributes to blood glucose control and helps prevent complications associated with type 2 diabetes. Thanks to one of its plant components, Glibofit can also help reduce cravings for sweets and promote weight loss.
What was once impossible just ten years ago is now accessible to everyone: individual devices for monitoring sugar levels, high-quality insulin options, and plant-based complexes for sugar level correction.
Remember, diabetes is not a sentence. By regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and leading an active lifestyle, you can increase your chances of living a long and happy life!
