Have you controlled your blood sugar today? How to prevent diabetes?

At present, diabetes has developed into a major global public health problem, posing a serious health threat to the general population. How to effectively prevent diabetes has become an important topic of concern to medical workers and the whole society. Studies have shown that blood sugar control is an effective means to prevent and reduce complications in patients with diabetes. In addition, a reasonable lifestyle such as scientific diet, regular physical examinations, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and enjoying exercise can effectively prevent the occurrence of diabetes. Secondly, early identification of high-risk groups and necessary lifestyle interventions or drug treatments can effectively avoid or delay the occurrence of diabetes. Understanding diabetes and taking preventive measures can keep you away from the threat of the disease and lead a healthy and happy life.

1. Overview of global diabetes

The global prevalence of diabetes is increasing year by year, especially in developing and well-developed countries. According to statistics from the World Health Organization, as of 2019, there are about 462 million people with diabetes in the world, and this number is expected to grow to 699 million by 2045. Diabetes can occur in any age group, and even the prevalence of young people and children is increasing year by year. It has been recognized as one of the major challenges in the field of global public health.

Complications caused by diabetes include heart disease, kidney disease, retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy, which have a serious impact on the quality of life of patients and may even lead to fatal consequences.

Diabetes has a huge impact on the global economy. The management and treatment of the disease, the body's complications and the loss of work ability have all placed a heavy burden on the global economy.

The control and prevention of diabetes is particularly important. Against the backdrop of the continued increase in the incidence of diabetes, global awareness of diabetes and prevention needs to be strengthened, which is also an important part of global public health.

2. Causes and hazards of diabetes

The development of diabetes is quite complex, and its main causes include the dual influence of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors determine an individual's sensitivity to diabetes, while environmental factors such as long-term sitting, high-calorie diet, obesity, and stress can trigger this potential sensitivity.

The main characteristic of diabetes is that the body cannot effectively secrete or use insulin, resulting in high blood sugar. Long-term high blood sugar can lead to many long-term serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, eye diseases such as retinopathy, kidney disease, etc. People with diabetes have high levels of glucose in their blood, which may increase the risk of diseases and infections, such as periodontal disease and skin infections. If blood sugar is not well controlled and lasts for a long time, it may cause acute complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis.

The above hazards are not intended to cause panic among diabetic patients. On the contrary, the purpose of understanding these hazards is to remind everyone to pay attention to early prevention and control, because many complications of diabetes can be avoided through early prevention and control. Therefore, no one should take the prevention and control of diabetes lightly.

3. The importance of sugar control in preventing diabetes

It is very important to control blood sugar to prevent diabetes. To control blood sugar, it can be achieved through proper exercise, diet and blood sugar monitoring. Exercise can consume excess blood sugar, enhance the body's sensitivity to insulin, and maintain physical health and weight; a low-sugar diet, a high-fiber diet and an appropriate amount of carbohydrate intake can help control blood sugar. Effective blood sugar control can also reduce the risk of heart disease, protect eyesight, and reduce the occurrence of complications. Continuous self-management by families and individuals is also key, which requires close self-monitoring and the assistance of the medical team. Blood sugar control is crucial in the prevention and management of diabetes.

4. Lifestyle intervention to prevent diabetes

Lifestyle changes play a vital role in the prevention of diabetes. One of the preferred strategies is to control blood sugar through dietary management. The intake of refined sugars and sugary drinks should be reduced, and the intake of whole grains, vegetables, fruits and protein sources (such as fish, poultry, tofu, etc.) should be increased. Eating regularly and in small and frequent meals can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.

In addition to diet control, regular physical exercise is also very important. Exercise can help the body use more sugar, thereby lowering blood sugar. It is recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.

Maintaining a healthy weight is also key. Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. By eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, you can effectively control your weight and further reduce your risk of diabetes.

In other words, good living habits, proper exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a reasonable weight are all important ways to prevent diabetes. Effective lifestyle intervention can not only prevent diabetes, but also improve people's quality of life, thereby maintaining a healthy life. Change your living habits, start with small things, and a happy life will be around you.

Conclusion

In this era of diabetes prevalence, its existence, causes and harm cannot be ignored. Diligent blood sugar control is an important measure to fight diabetes. As mentioned in this article, diabetes is not an incurable disease. It can be fought and prevented through intervention of a healthy lifestyle. But remember, health begins with changes in yourself. From now on, pay attention to blood sugar, pay attention to your own health, and work together to create a healthy society.

Author: Shao Wenxin, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Endocrinology, Wangdu County Hospital