Diabetes: The epidemic of the 21st century that damages organs

Everyone knows the famous call of “SUUUUGAR” of the authentic Celia Cruz; I wish all the candy was that healthy. Unfortunately, how many times have we heard that a relative, friend or acquaintance has “sugar” or “a little bit of sugar” but “is not diabetic because they do not inject insulin”. Wrong! Despite being so close to us and so frequent, there are many concepts that are incorrect in this world about diabetes.

Our Doctor Judit Calpe, head doctor of mediQuo, explains to us in this complete battery of inquiries, the following questions that many would ask:

What is diabetes? It is a disease of our metabolism that causes us to have hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

1. Is it only diabetics that are injected with insulin? NO. There are two main types of diabetes that exist.
   • Type 1: usually appears in childhood. Suddenly, the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin stop working, this gives quick symptoms and when there is no insulin, the patient needs injected insulin.
     1. Type 2: traditionally in adults (although increasingly earlier). Our pancreas works less and less each time and secretes less insulin (but in early stages it still produces!). The problem is that our own insulin does not work as well. The fat (above all the dreaded michelin) hijacks our insulin and it cannot act where it should. Summary: we have less and it does not get where it should go.
2. Why is there more type 2 diabetes? Due to our changes in lifestyle: since childhood, we eat poorly and move less. World Health Organization (WHO) data say that, globally, it estimated that 422 million adults had diabetes in 2014, compared with 108 million in 1980.
3. “But hey, since diabetes does not hurt, it isn’t important, it is not serious”. In 2012, diabetes directly caused 1.5 million deaths and indirectly caused another 2.2 million. In addition, if it is not controlled correctly, it can damage a multitude of organs: eyes, kidneys, heart, blood vessels and the nervous system can be the worst parts.
4. So, what can I do to to avoid it? Type 1 is not possible to prevent, but type 2 is. Watch your diet and be physically active in order to reduce the risk. Less fat, less diabetes.
5. And if I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, can I cure it? Regrettably, no. It is a chronic disease, but you can keep it at bay. Our body has “memory” and the progression of diabetes will suffer the more delays one puts against it. We propose the treatment of diabetes as a three-legged stool: if one fails, you fall. These three legs will be: DIET – PHYSICAL ACTIVITY – MEDICATION. Follow these regular regulations with your doctor and nurse.  
6. But if I take things “light” and saccharin it’s already, no? Not at all. The label “light” does not mean that it is totally healthy with no calories, or that it contains any element that turns into sugar in the body. The diabetic can eat everything, as long as he does so in the correct amount.

And you, what are your doubts about diabetes? 

*Content validated by the medical team of mediQuo.