More and more people are diagnosed with diabetes. In fact, it is fully operational and, according to the World Health Organization, it is expected that could affect 1.3 billion people in 2050.
This is a chronic disease characterized elevated blood glucose levels and 90% of patients suffer from type 2 diabetes.
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 This causes so-called insulin resistance – 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 diabetesDuring pregnancy, there is an increase in blood glucose levels, which recover after childbirth.
He Dr. Jorge Parratherapist at the Vitas Granada hospital, assures that “for reasons It is impossible to prevent type 1 diabetes, but with type 2 diabetes it is possible in 50% of cases. 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.”
Avoid Obesity The cornerstone in the prevention of this disease becomes, as the doctor explains, “it is necessary to maintain an adequate diet and combine it with regular exercise, both aerobic and strength training, since the combination of both types of exercise is capable of reversing insulin resistance and therefore reversing reverse diabetes in many cases.”
The effect of terrible glucose spikes
Glucose surges or sudden increase in blood sugar levelsare 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..
He Dr. Rida Naguib Raya, a 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 rebelswhich leads 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.
Three diabetes doctors from Vithas.
New drugs and an integrated approach to combating this disease
At Vitas Hospital Seville, the cardiometabolic health department is led by Dr. Cristobal Moralesadds 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 emphasizes Benefits of new diabetes drugs “Adding some useful 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 the same time, Dr. Morales emphasizes that “these are safe drugs, scientifically proven and of direct benefit. 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 advantages of this technology, the specialist assures that “in general, it has been demonstrated that They improve glycemic control in people with diabetes who use them and also 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.