Diabetes prevention: endocrinologist tips

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Diabetes prevention: endocrinologist tips

I. Understanding of diabetes: key facts and numbers

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by an increased level of glucose in the blood (hyperglycemia). It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (a hormone regulating blood sugar), or when the body cannot effectively use the produced insulin (insulin resistance), or when combining both factors.

There are various types of diabetes, but the most common are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes.

  • Type 1 diabetes: An autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing pancreatic cells. As a result, the body cannot produce insulin, and people with type 1 diabetes need to enter insulin daily for survival. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in childhood or in adolescence, but can occur in adults. The reasons for the development of diabetes of the 1st type are not fully studied, but the genetic predisposition and environmental factors probably play a role.

  • Type 2 diabetes: The most common type of diabetes, which accounts for about 90-95% of all cases of diabetes. With type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin, and the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to overcome this stability. Over time, the blood glucose level increases, which can lead to serious complications. Type 2 diabetes most often develops in adults, especially in people with excess weight or obesity, with a sedentary lifestyle and with the family history of diabetes.

  • Gestational diabetes: It develops during pregnancy in women who had no diabetes previously. Gestational diabetes usually passes after childbirth, but women who had gestational diabetes are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

Statistics:

  • According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are more than 422 million people with diabetes around the world.
  • Diabetes is the main cause of blindness, renal failure, heart attacks, stroke and amputation of the lower extremities.
  • About half of all people with diabetes do not know that they are sick.
  • The number of people with diabetes is growing all over the world, especially in countries with low and medium income.
  • It is predicted that by 2045 the number of people with diabetes will reach 693 million.

II. Risk factors for the development of diabetes of type 2:

Many factors increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Knowing these factors can help you take steps to reduce your risk.

  • Excess weight or obesity: Excess weight, especially in the abdomen, is the main risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. Fat tissue distinguishes hormones and other substances that can contribute to insulin resistance and inflammation.

  • Family history of diabetes: If you have a close relative (parent, brother or sister) with type 2 diabetes, your risk of developing the disease is much higher. This is due to the fact that type 2 diabetes has a genetic predisposition.

  • Age: The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age, especially after 45 years. This is due to the fact that with age, the pancreas can produce less insulin, and the body cells become less sensitive to insulin.

  • Sitting lifestyle: The lack of physical activity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Physical activity helps to improve insulin sensitivity and control weight.

  • Gestational diabetes: Women who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCU): Pska is a hormonal disorder that can cause insulin resistance and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

  • Racial or ethnicity: Some racial and ethnic groups, such as African -Americans, Latin American, indigenous Americans, Asian Americans and inhabitants of the Pacific Islands, are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

  • Preddia: Prediabet is a condition in which the level of glucose in the blood is higher than the norm, but not high enough for diabetes of type 2 diabetes. In people with pre-the-diabet, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and stroke is increased.

  • High blood pressure: High blood pressure often accompanies insulin resistance and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

  • High cholesterol level: The high level of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and the low level of “good” cholesterol (HDL) are also associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

III. The role of an endocrinologist in the prevention of diabetes:

The endocrinologist is a doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the endocrine system, including diabetes. The endocrinologist plays an important role in the prevention of diabetes, providing consultations, conducting screening and developing individual prevention plans.

Consultations:

  • The endocrinologist can evaluate your individual risk of type 2 diabetes, taking into account your family history, lifestyle and other risk factors.
  • The endocrinologist can provide you with information about diabetes, its complications and methods of prevention.
  • The endocrinologist can help you develop a healthy lifestyle plan, including proper nutrition, physical activity and weight management.
  • The endocrinologist can answer your questions and dispel your fears about diabetes.

Screening:

  • The endocrinologist can recommend that you take blood tests for diabetes, especially if you have risk factors.
  • The most common blood tests for diabetes are an analysis for glycated hemoglobin (HBA1C), an analysis for glucose in plasma on an empty stomach and oral glucosotolerant test (OGTT).
  • Analysis for glycated hemoglobin (HBA1C) shows the average level of glucose in the blood over the past 2-3 months.
  • A analysis of glucose in plasma on an empty stomach measures the level of glucose in the blood after starvation for 8 hours.
  • The oral glucoseotolerant test (OGTT) measures the level of glucose in the blood before and after eating a sweet drink.

Individual prevention plans:

  • The endocrinologist can develop an individual plan for the prevention of diabetes for you, taking into account your individual needs and goals.
  • The prevention plan may include changes in lifestyle, such as proper nutrition, physical activity and weight management.
  • In some cases, the endocrinologist can recommend drugs for the prevention of diabetes, especially if you have a high risk of the development of the disease.
  • The endocrinologist will monitor your progress and make adjustments to your prevention plan as necessary.

IV. Changes in lifestyle for the prevention of diabetes:

Changes in lifestyle are the cornerstone of type 2 diabetes prevention. Even small changes in your nutrition and level of activity can have a significant impact on your risk of developing the disease.

1. Proper nutrition:

  • Focus on solid, unprocessed products: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, low -fat protein and healthy fats in your diet. Limit the consumption of processed products, sugar, refined carbohydrates and saturated fats.
  • Control the size of the portions: Modelity is a key factor. Use smaller plates and bowls to help you control the size of portions. Pay attention to the signals of the hunger and satiety of your body.
  • Increase fiber consumption: Fiber helps regulate blood sugar, improves digestion and promotes a feeling of satiety. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and legumes.
  • Choose useful fats: Include beneficial fats in your diet, such as mono -saturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats are found in olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds. Limit the consumption of saturated and trans fats, which are found in red meat, processed foods and fried foods.
  • Limit the consumption of sweet drinks: Sweet drinks, such as carbonated drinks, fruit juices and energy drinks, contain a lot of sugar and few nutrients. Replace them with water, unsweetened tea or coffee.
  • Ask regularly: Do not skip food meals and try to eat regularly during the day. This will help you maintain a stable blood sugar and avoid overeating.
  • Plan your food meals: Planning meals can help you make a healthier choice in advance and avoid impulsive nutrition solutions.

Examples of healthy meals:

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal with fruits and nuts, whole grain toast with avocados and egg, Greek yogurt with berries.
  • Dinner: A salad with vegetables, low -fat protein and refueling based on olive oil, a whole -grain sandwich with turkey and vegetables, lentil soup.
  • Dinner: Baked fish with vegetables and cinema, chicken-grille with salad and sweet potatoes, vegetarian carry with brown rice.
  • Snacks: Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, Greek yogurt.

2. Physical activity:

  • Strive by 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week: It can be fast walking, jogging, swimming, cycling or dancing.
  • Turn on strength training at least twice a week: Power training helps to increase muscle mass, which can improve insulin sensitivity and control weight.
  • Find what you like: If you don’t like playing sports, you are unlikely to adhere to this. Try different activities until you find what you like.
  • Take small steps: If you are a beginner in physical activity, start small and gradually increase the intensity and duration of training.
  • Be active during the day: Try to move as much as possible during the day. Go up the stairs instead of an elevator, go for walks during a lunch break, take breaks in work to stretch.
  • Make physical activity part of your daily life: For example, go to work or school on foot or bicycle, if possible.

3. Weight management:

  • Strive for a healthy weight: Loss of even a small amount of weight (5-10% of your starting weight) can significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
  • Combine proper nutrition and physical activity: This is the most effective way to lose weight and maintain healthy weight.
  • Install realistic goals: Do not try to lose weight too fast. Strive for a gradual and stable weight loss.
  • Look for support: Join the weight loss support group or consult a nutritionist or personal coach.
  • Be patient: Losing weight requires time and effort. Do not give up if you do not see the results at once.

4. Stress management:

  • Find healthy ways to cope with stress: It can be meditation, yoga, deep breathing, spending time in nature or communication with friends and family.
  • Sleep enough: The lack of sleep can increase the level of stress hormones and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
  • Limit the consumption of caffeine and alcohol: These substances can enhance stress.

5. Regular medical examinations:

  • Visit your doctor for regular medical examinations: The doctor can control your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
  • Complete diabetes screening if you have risk factors: Early diagnosis of diabetes allows you to start treatment at an early stage and prevent complications.

V. Pharmacological prevention of diabetes:

In some cases, when changes in lifestyle are not effective enough, the endocrinologist can recommend drugs for the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

  • Metformin: Metformin is a medicine that is usually used to treat type 2 diabetes. It can also be used to prevent diabetes in people with a high risk of developing the disease. Metformin works, reducing the production of glucose by the liver and improving insulin sensitivity.
  • Akarbosis: Akarbose is a medicine that slows down the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestines. It can be used to prevent diabetes in people with a high risk of developing the disease, especially in those who adhere to a diet with a high carbohydrate content.
  • Thiazolidindyons (pioglitazone, Rosiglitazon): These drugs improve insulin sensitivity. They can be used to prevent diabetes in people with a high risk of developing the disease, but they should be used with caution due to possible side effects.
  • DPP-4 inhibitors (Sitagliptin, Vildagliptin, Saxagliptin, Linagliptin): These drugs increase the level of increte, hormones that stimulate insulin production and reduce the production of glucagon. They can be used to prevent diabetes in people with a high risk of developing the disease.
  • GPP-1 receptor agonists (exenatide, luraglutide, semaglutide, dulaglutide): These drugs simulate the effect of increetins, stimulating the production of insulin, reducing the production of glucagon and slowing down the emptying of the stomach. They can be used to prevent diabetes in people with a high risk of developing the disease, especially in those who suffer from obesity.

It is important to discuss with the endocrinologist the risks and advantages of drug prevention of diabetes to determine whether it is suitable for you.

VI. Type 1 diabetes prevention:

Unlike type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes prevention is much more complicated, since this is an autoimmune disease, the causes of which have not been fully studied. Currently, there is no guaranteed way to prevent type 1 diabetes. However, studies are conducted aimed at identifying risk factors and developing prevention strategies.

  • Genetic testing: Genetic testing can help identify people with an increased risk of type 1 diabetes. However, the presence of a genetic predisposition does not mean that a person will necessarily get type 1 diabetes.
  • Clinical trials: Clinical trials are carried out aimed at assessing the effectiveness of various strategies for type 1 diabetes, such as immunotherapy.
  • Breast-feeding: Some studies show that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes in children.
  • Vitamin D supplements: Some studies show that vitamin D additives can reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes.

VII. Prevention of gestational diabetes:

Gestational diabetes (HSD) is diabetes that develops during pregnancy in women who have not had diabetes previously. Prevention of HSD is important for the health of the mother and child.

  • Healthy weight before pregnancy: Women with overweight or obesity are recommended to lose weight before pregnancy.
  • Healthy diet during pregnancy: During pregnancy, it is important to adhere to a healthy diet, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low -fat protein. Limit the consumption of processed products, sugar and saturated fats.
  • Physical activity during pregnancy: If there are no medical contraindications, pregnant women are recommended to engage in moderate physical activity within 30 minutes on most days of the week.
  • Screening on GSD: Pregnant women are usually screening for GDC between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Early treatment of GSD: If you are diagnosed with HSD, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible. Treatment may include changes in lifestyle, such as proper nutrition and physical activity, as well as, in some cases, drugs, such as insulin.

VIII. Monitoring the level of glucose in the blood:

Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is important for the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

  • Home monitoring of blood glucose levels: People with diabetes should regularly check the level of glucose in the blood using a glucometer. This helps them control the blood sugar and adjust their treatment.
  • Continuous monitoring of glucose levels (NMG): NMG is a device that measures the level of glucose in the blood continuously during the day and night. NMG can be useful for people with diabetes who experience difficulties with controlling blood sugar.
  • Analysis for glycated hemoglobin (HBA1C): Analysis for glycated hemoglobin (HBA1C) shows the average level of glucose in the blood over the past 2-3 months. This analysis is used to monitor diabetes control.

IX. Psychological aspects of diabetes prevention:

Prevention of diabetes can be a difficult task that requires changes in the lifestyle and commitment to treatment. It is important to take into account the psychological aspects of diabetes prevention in order to increase the likelihood of success.

  • Motivation: It is important to have strong motivation for the prevention of diabetes. Think about the advantages of diabetes prevention for your health and well -being.
  • Support: Contact your friends, family, doctor or support group for support. The presence of support can help you remain motivated and adhere to your prevention plan.
  • Self -efficiency: Believe in your ability to change your lifestyle and prevent diabetes. Install realistic goals and celebrate your success.
  • Overcoming obstacles: Be prepared for obstacles such as a lack of time, lack of access to healthy food or stress. Develop strategies for overcoming these obstacles.
  • Positive thinking: Focus on positive aspects of diabetes, such as improving your health, increasing your energy and improving your quality of life.

X. Future directions in the prevention of diabetes:

Studies in the field of diabetes prevent. In the future, there will probably be new strategies and methods of diabetes.

  • Personalized medicine: Personalized medicine is an approach to the prevention and treatment of diseases, which takes into account individual genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. In the future, personalized medicine can be used to develop individual diabetes prevention plans.
  • Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses the body’s immune system to combat diseases. In the future, immunotherapy can be used for the prevention or treatment of type 1 diabetes.
  • Regenerative medicine: Regenerative medicine is a field of medicine, which is aimed at restoring or replacing damaged tissues and organs. In the future, regenerative medicine can be used to restore insulin-producing pancreatic cells in people with type 1 diabetes.
  • Technologies: Technologies, such as mobile applications and wearable devices, can be used to track the level of glucose in the blood, physical activity and nutrition. These technologies can help people with diabetes better control their condition and prevent complications.

XI. Resources for additional information about diabetes:

There are many resources that can provide you with additional information about the prevention of diabetes.

  • World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO website contains information about diabetes and its prevention.
  • American Diabetic Association (ADA): The ADA website contains information about diabetes, its treatment and prevention.
  • National Institute of Diabetes and Diseases of the Digestion and Kidney (Niddk): Niddk website contains information about diabetes and its complications.
  • Your doctor or endocrinologist: Your doctor or endocrinologist can provide you with individual tips on the prevention of diabetes.

XII. Conclusion:

Prevention of diabetes is an important task that can help prevent the development of this chronic disease and its complications. Changes in lifestyle, such as proper nutrition, physical activity and weight management, are the cornerstone of type 2 diabetes prevention. In some cases, drug prevention may be recommended. Regular medical examinations and monitoring of blood glucose levels are also important for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Contact your doctor or endocrinologist to get individual tips on diabetes. With active participation and support, diabetes prevention is quite achievable.

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