According to World Health Organization (WHO)it is estimated that 422 million people live with diabetes worldwide, four times more than 40 years ago. This chronic disease appears when the body cannot process all the glucose found in the bloodstream. Some tissues, in order to use this glucose, require the action of insulin, which is a hormone produced by the pancreas that makes it easier for this sugar to enter the cell, and thus be transformed into energy.
“Symptoms are more common in patients with type 1 diabetes, when levels remain very high for a long time. Fatigue, thirst, hunger, excessive urination, blurred vision and weight loss may develop,” he said. Victor Montoriendocrinologist United States Mayo Clinic to the BBC Mundo portal. More serious complications of diabetes can lead to stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and lower extremity amputation.
On the other hand, in children, the presentation of diabetes is type 1. The symptoms are more intense and occur in a shorter time: intense thirst, weight loss, frequent urination, fatigue and drowsiness. However, type 2 diabetes is more common in this age group. “In recent decades, we have had an alarming increase in cases of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents, linked to increased obesity and sedentary lifestyle habits,” explained Fabiana Vazquez, member of the Argentine Diabetes Society.
According to experts, on an empty stomach, normal blood sugar level is 70 to 110 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). After meals, these values rise, but insulin ensures that they return to the normal range quickly, usually within two hours. Sustained values greater than 180 mg/dl, exceeding 120 minutes, are toxic to cells. “The entire body is affected if the values are high. Therefore, people with diabetes must have blood glucose levels between 70 and 180 mg/dl most of the day,” Vazquez explained to the British media.
“The patient with type 2 diabetes You may start to become dehydrated when sugar level exceeds 200 mg/dL But people without any other problems can maintain high sugar levels without major danger. When the level is very high, for example, above 300 mg/dL, the risk is greater and requires attention,” warned Victor Montori. Diabetes is a perfectly controllable chronic disease, which the earlier it is diagnosed, the easier it will be to avoid. other complications
For specialists there is no way to know who will have Diabetes type 1, no way to avoid it. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes has very clear triggering factors. Maintaining an adequate weight, eating a healthy and balanced diet, and doing regular physical exercise can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes in those with a genetic predisposition. It is also important to note that there are no foods that can develop diabetes by themselves.
But yes, there are foods that help avoid the disease. “The adequate consumption of vegetables (both raw and cooked and of various colors) and fruits can help balance the diet and incorporate natural antioxidants that help prevent diabetes,” he advised. José Agustín Mesa Pérez, endocrinologist and president of the Latin American Diabetes Association.
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