Experts from Vithas Andalucía talk about how to prevent diabetes and the latest therapeutic advances.

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels.. Currently, according to WHO, Around 600 million people worldwide live with diabetesOf these, 90% have type 2 diabetes, and it is estimated that by 2050 the number of people affected could reach 1.3 billion. Although diabetes is always accompanied by elevated blood glucose levels, the cause of this increase is not due to diabetes, which is the reason why there are several types.

Causes and typologies of diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is unable to produce insulin as a result of the destruction of the cells responsible for its production by the immune system itself. In type 2, so-called insulin resistance occurs – a progressive increase in the need for insulin caused by a loss of tissue sensitivity to its action. Its causes are numerous, but the underlying factors in its development are excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle. In gestational diabetes, blood glucose levels increase during pregnancy and levels return after childbirth.

Dr. Jorge Parrasays a therapist at Vitas Granada Hospital “Due to the causes, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, but with type 2 diabetes, about 50% of the cases can be prevented.

For type 2 diabetes, there are predisposing factors that cannot be changed, such as family history (genetic predisposition) or age, a factor that increases risk. However, there are others that are more relevant and completely modifiable, such as diet or sedentary lifestyle.”

Avoiding obesity becomes the cornerstone in preventing this disease. As the doctor explains, “It is necessary to maintain an adequate diet and combine it with regular exercise, both aerobic and strength training, as a combination of both types of exercise can reverse insulin resistance and hence reverse diabetes in the body.” many cases.”

Vitas Granada Hospital, committed to combating metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, is the patron of the ReceDxt Chair of the University of Granada, which aims to obtain a prototype of artificial intelligence to improve the possibilities of preventing this disease. type of diabetes

The effect of terrible glucose spikes

Glucose spikes, or sudden increases in blood sugar levels, are common in both people with diabetes and the general population.

Recent studies show that about 90% of the population experiences these peaks throughout the day without even realizing it. Dr. Rida Naguib Rayaa doctor specialized in endocrinology and nutrition at the Vitas Malaga Hospital talks about the consequences this has: “We change the metabolism of glucose and the body rebels, leading not only to pathologies such as obesity or diabetes, but also to others such as Digestive problems. , insomnia, mood changes, fatty liver disease and a long list of pathologies that add up to chronic inflammation in our body.”

In people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, spikes in glucose levels are especially important because they can worsen complications associated with the disease, such as cardiovascular and neurological problems. In people who don’t have the disease, “frequent surges can cause insulin resistance, a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes, and trigger a vicious cycle of anxiety and impulsive eating, which in turn can lead to obesity.” – explains the doctor.

New drugs and an integrated approach to combating this disease

At Vitas Hospital Seville, the cardiometabolic health department is led by Dr. Cristobal Morales, adds a comprehensive perspective on diabetes with experts in endocrinology, cardiology, pharmacology, nutrition and exercise science.

Together with the Vithas Sevilla Clinical Research Unit, which is currently conducting more than 30 studies, Dr. Morales highlights the benefits of new diabetes drugs, “adding several beneficial effects. Along with controlling glycemia and reducing the risk of hypoglycemia associated with previous treatment, the new drugs have demonstrated benefit in preventing cardiovascular events in high-risk patients, opening a new paradigm in the use of antidiabetic agents for the prevention of cardiovascular events. “At this stage, Dr. Morales emphasizes “These are safe medications that are scientifically proven and provide direct benefits.”. We must always remember that they require prescription and supervision by specialists, in a hospital setting and as part of a comprehensive and multidisciplinary treatment of this pathology.”

Technologies to improve quality of life

Another fundamental principle of caring for people with diabetes is the use of technology. “These are tools that make everyday life easier for people with diabetes, such as glucose sensors, instant or on-demand metering systems and continuous insulin monitoring systems, insulin pumps or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion systems, connected pens or smart pens, built-in pump and sensor . systems and closed-loop hybrid systems or artificial pancreas systems,” he explains. Diego FernandezHead of the endocrinology service at the Xanit International Hospital.

Among the benefits of this technology, the specialist assures that “in general, they have been shown to improve glycemic control in people with diabetes who use them, as well as improve quality of life, as well as other health-related aspects.” such as sleep quality and overall satisfaction with treatment. “In addition, continuous glucose monitoring systems and continuous insulin delivery systems reduce the frequency and severity of hypoglycemic episodes,” he notes.