A complete guide to diabetes: preventable and treatable, protecting your "sweet" life

Author: He Xin, Department of Endocrinology, Xi'an Aerospace General Hospital

Reviewer: Zhao Xin, Chief Physician, Department of Endocrinology, Xi'an Aerospace General Hospital

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease with a high incidence rate. It is caused by insufficient insulin secretion or insulin failure in the body, which leads to continuous increase in blood sugar levels. Diabetes can cause many serious complications, such as coronary heart disease, cerebral infarction, uremia, etc., which pose a serious threat to life.

1. Basic principles of diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease in which blood sugar (glucose) levels rise due to insufficient insulin secretion or dysfunction. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreatic beta cells in the pancreas that promotes the absorption and utilization of glucose by cells, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. Normally, when we eat, blood sugar levels rise, and the pancreas releases insulin to respond to this change and ensure that blood sugar remains within the normal range.

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However, in people with diabetes, this process goes awry. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, causing blood sugar levels to remain elevated. In type 2 diabetes, although insulin secretion is normal or elevated, the body's cells become less sensitive to insulin (i.e., insulin resistance), and are also unable to regulate blood sugar effectively.

Types of Diabetes

Diabetes is mainly divided into type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. In addition, there is gestational diabetes and special types of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes: It is more common in children and adolescents, with an acute onset and obvious symptoms. Patients usually need lifelong insulin injections to control blood sugar.

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Type 2 diabetes: Common in adults, especially middle-aged and elderly people. Its onset is related to many factors such as genetics and lifestyle. There may be no obvious symptoms in the early stages, but as the disease progresses, symptoms such as polyuria, thirst, and fatigue may appear.

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3. Symptoms of diabetes

Typical symptoms of diabetes include "three mores and one less", namely, polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia and weight loss. In addition, patients may also experience blurred vision, dry skin, slow wound healing, numbness of hands and feet, etc. If these symptoms occur, you should seek medical attention in time for early diagnosis and treatment.

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4. Treatment of diabetes

The treatment of diabetes is a comprehensive process that includes diet control, exercise, drug therapy, and blood sugar monitoring.

1. Diet control: Diet control is the basis for the treatment of diabetes. Patients should follow the principle of low-fat, low-sugar, high-fiber diet, control carbohydrate intake, increase the intake of vegetables and healthy protein. At the same time, pay attention to eating at regular times and quantitative amounts to avoid overeating.

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2. Exercise: Regular exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. Patients should choose appropriate exercise according to their own conditions, such as walking, jogging, swimming, etc. It is recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.

3. Drug treatment: For some diabetic patients, drug treatment is essential. Commonly used drugs include oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin injections. Patients should strictly follow the doctor's advice on medication and regularly monitor blood sugar levels to adjust the dosage.

4. Blood sugar monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is an important means of evaluating diabetes control. Patients can use a portable blood sugar meter for self-monitoring and adjust their diet, exercise, etc. based on the monitoring results.

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5. Preventive measures for diabetes

The key to preventing diabetes is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Specific measures include:

1. Balanced diet: Eat a diversified diet with a reasonable combination of nutrients. Reduce the intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods and increase the intake of vegetables, fruits and whole grains.

2. Exercise regularly: Perform at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, etc. Exercise can not only lower blood sugar levels, but also help control weight and improve cardiopulmonary function.

3. Control your weight: Obesity is one of the important risk factors for diabetes. Maintaining an appropriate weight range is important for preventing diabetes.

4. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption: Both smoking and excessive drinking increase the risk of diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended to quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption or not drink alcohol at all.

5. Psychological adjustment: Maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude is also important for preventing diabetes. Avoid long-term mental stress and anxiety, and conduct psychological counseling and relaxation training in a timely manner.