Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Müjdat Kara stated that this important disease with high blood sugar is chronic and progressive, and that it has also been encountered in young people in recent years due to wrong habits, “The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) predicts that 382 million adults worldwide have diabetes, and by 2035 this number will increase to 592 million. It is expected to arrive.”
7 IMPORTANT POINTS TO KNOW ABOUT DIABETES!
Assoc. Dr. Müjdat Kara explained 7 important points to know about diabetes and made important warnings and suggestions.
CAN CAUSE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES
Diabetes is divided into two as type 1 and type 2. While type 1 diabetes occurs as a result of immune cells attacking pancreatic cells in our body, it manifests itself with insulin deficiency and elevated blood sugar. Stating that type 1 diabetes progresses rapidly and insulin therapy is not started urgently, it can lead to serious consequences, Assoc. Dr. Müjdat Kara says that 5-10 percent of all diabetes cases are type 1 diabetes.
IT IS POSSIBLE TO PREVENT TYPE 2 DIABETES
In type 2 diabetes, insulin secretion produced by the body is insufficient, and there is insulin resistance. Emphasizing that Type 2 diabetes is a disease that can be controlled and prevented by lifestyle changes and, if necessary, the use of oral pills, unlike Type 1 diabetes, which is caused by the body’s own structure, Assoc. Dr. Müjdat Kara “90-95% of all diabetes cases are type 2 diabetes. As in Type 1 diabetes patients, without the need for regular use of insulin medication, with a healthy and regular lifestyle, Type 2 diabetes can be easily prevented and the person can lead a normal and healthy life.
ATTENTION TO THESE SYMPTOMS IN DIABETES
Although diabetes, which is a chronic and progressive disease, manifests itself with some symptoms, it is delayed in applying to a physician due to low social awareness. Assoc. Dr. Müjdat Kara lists the symptoms as follows: “If you have a constant feeling of dryness in your mouth, if you are thirsty very often, if you need to urinate a lot during the day, you may have diabetes. These may be accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, tingling in the feet, blurred vision, rapid and involuntary weight changes, and acetone-like odor from the mouth. If you have these symptoms, you should contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible.”
WAYS TO PREVENT TYPE 2 DIABETES
Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Müjdat Kara gives the following information about effective measures against type 2 diabetes: “It may be possible to prevent type 2 diabetes by 80 percent with lifestyle changes and, if necessary, the use of oral pills. The most effective and easiest way to prevent diabetes is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Eating a regular and balanced diet, exercising, walking for at least half an hour every day, following a diet consisting of light and healthy foods such as the Mediterranean diet, avoiding consuming high-fat and sugary foods, avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and alcohol, getting a good sleep Having a regular schedule can protect you from diabetes.”
FACTORS INCREASING THE RISK OF DIABETES
Scientific studies; Although there are many risk factors for diabetes, obesity, unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure and having a family history of diabetes are among the risk factors. Assoc. Dr. Müjdat Kara warns that the disease can lead to serious consequences if regular treatment is not applied and an unhealthy lifestyle is continued.
NUTRITIONAL SCHEDULE IS VERY IMPORTANT
Emphasizing that one of the most important factors in the treatment of diabetes is a healthy diet, Assoc. Dr. Müjdat Kara said, “Because the main source of blood sugar is the foods we consume. The Mediterranean diet is recommended as a basis for a healthy and balanced diet. Diabetes patients should stay away from refined sugar, glucose, jam, honey, beets, white bread, foods made from white flour, cakes, pastries, pasta, rice, biscuits, potatoes, mashed potatoes, french fries, corn, chips, crackers and cornflakes. . On the other hand, foods such as yoghurt, green leafy vegetables, bran bread, rye and whole wheat bread, sugar-free grain products, dried legumes, grapefruit, hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, kiwi and apples can be consumed. It would be right to meet your sweet cravings by consuming fruit, provided that you do not overdo it.”
ATTENTION TO THESE SUGGESTIONS WHEN TRAVELING
Diabetic patients using insulin need to make a good preparation before traveling when they travel. Assoc. Dr. Müjdat Kara explains the things that patients with both Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes who use insulin should pay attention to before and during travel: You should carry the contact information of the people to be contacted in case of need and the doctor who is following you, have an ID card/wristband-like markers indicating that you have diabetes, have a document approved by the doctor declaring that you need to carry an insulin needle at checkpoints in places such as airports and have a comfortable and healthy travel of great importance.”