Tips for Preventing Diabetes Juaneda
Tips for preventing diabetes

Tips for Preventing Diabetes

The World Health Organization estimates that by the year 2030, there will be approximately 336 million cases of diabetes worldwide. In that same year, diabetes is projected to be the seventh leading cause of global mortality.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body converts food into energy. The body breaks down most of what is consumed into sugar, or glucose, and releases it into the bloodstream.

The pancreas produces a hormone, insulin, acting as a gateway allowing sugar in the blood to enter the body's cells, where it is utilized as energy for their respective functions.

In the case of diabetes, either the body does not produce sufficient insulin to enable sugar entry into cells, or the insulin produced is not used effectively. Without proper insulin or if cells fail to utilize it as intended, sugar remains in the bloodstream.

Persistent high levels of sugar in the blood can lead to severe issues such as kidney disease, heart problems, or vision loss.

There are two types of diabetes: one that can be prevented, and one that cannot.

Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. It occurs when the body has an autoimmune reaction, mistakenly attacking itself, resulting in the pancreas not producing insulin.

Typically diagnosed in children, adolescents, and young adults, symptoms appear rapidly, requiring individuals with type 1 diabetes to receive insulin daily.

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented. It develops when the body does not use insulin properly, leading to an inability to maintain a normal blood sugar level. Approximately 90 to 95% of individuals with diabetes have type 2.

This type of diabetes develops over the years and is often diagnosed in adults, although recent data indicates an increasing number of children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes.

Usually asymptomatic, type 2 diabetes is often diagnosed through blood tests, especially if risk factors are observed.

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes:

Type 2 diabetes typically arises from an unhealthy lifestyle. Reviewing personal habits is crucial for prevention, especially for individuals who are obese, smokers, or have little interest in regular physical activity.

Juaneda Hospitals professionals recommend adopting healthy habits such as:

-  Reduce excess weight through a controlled, balanced, and safe diet.

-  Quit Smoking: Regardless of diabetes status, smoking has no health benefits and poses numerous risks.

-  Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, even without becoming an elite athlete. A brisk 30-minute walk each day is a good starting point.

-  Monitoring Sugar Intake: If there are concerns about diabetes, monitor sugar consumption and blood sugar levels.

-  Foot Care: Diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels in the feet. Regularly check for cuts, blisters, or cracked skin, and consult a specialist if necessary.

Prediabetes and Gestational Diabetes:

Prediabetes is a stage preceding type 2 diabetes. Blood sugar levels are higher than normal but have not yet reached the limits of the disease. It can be prevented by following the highlighted recommendations.

As for gestational diabetes, it occurs when the body of a pregnant woman is unable to produce the necessary insulin. It is a condition that can become very dangerous for the baby.

Although gestational diabetes does not have a specific cause and cannot be predicted—pregnancy hormones somehow affect insulin production—a healthy diet and some exercise can help prevent it.

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