PREVENTING DIABETES MELLITUS AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Diabetes mellitus is a group of endocrine diseases that develop as a result of an absolute or relative deficiency of the hormone insulin in the body (disorders of carbohydrate metabolism). It interferes with insulin synthesis in the pancreas (type I diabetes), or the body cannot use the available insulin effectively (type II diabetes).

The main signs of diabetes include: dry mouth, constant thirst, weight loss or a sharp increase against the background of increased appetite, frequent urination, general weakness, drowsiness, severe itching of the skin and its dryness, furunculosis, decreased performance, impaired vision, decreased immunity.

Normal blood sugar levels:

- on an empty stomach (before meals) 3.3-5.5 mmol / l;

- 2 hours after eating up to 7.8 mmol / l.

Everyone is at risk for diabetes!

Risk factors: genetic predisposition (diabetes in close relatives), stress, excessive consumption of easily digestible carbohydrates (sugar, honey, sweets, etc.), pancreatic disease, sedentary lifestyle, past infectious diseases.

Diabetes is not just a disease, it is a way of life. A healthy lifestyle in people with diabetes mellitus is the basis for well-being and the prevention of disease complications. Patients with diabetes can significantly improve the course of the disease while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes proper nutrition, rational physical activity, work, and rest. These interventions are highly beneficial and can greatly reduce the need for drug therapy.

Healthy lifestyle tips for diabetics

- Nutrition should be regular (every day at a certain time) and fractional (at least 6 times a day in small portions, including not snacking and not skipping meals).

- Healthy balanced diet: Dietary changes lead to lower blood glucose levels. It is advisable to eat more vegetables (onions, garlic, radishes, carrots), which affect the functioning of the pancreas, less fat, and carbohydrates. Sauerkraut should be on the dinner table, as it lowers blood sugar.

- Sweets to avoid: sugar, honey, sugar-containing drinks. Ordinary tea should be replaced with blueberries, lingonberries, as they improve the functioning of the pancreas.

Limit salt intake to maintain normal blood pressure (don't add salt to food).

- Drink at least 1.5 liters of fluids daily (dose of water is given for people of average height and average weight).

Monitor your weight. Obesity is one of the main causes of poor insulin performance in type II diabetes.

- Set yourself a realistic goal: lose 2 kilograms in a month. Losing weight quickly is not safe for health, so losing weight slowly will give you the best results.

- It is important to permanently get rid of bad habits: smoking, alcohol.

Physical activity is needed: more movement, exercise (weight loss, and decreased blood sugar levels). Physical activity is not only sports but also doing household chores, working in summer cottages, short-term intensive jogging, etc.

- Determination of blood sugar regularly every day.

Also, a person with diabetes needs to know how to behave in case of a cold. Influenza and even the common cold contribute to elevated blood glucose levels. This is important to consider when treating.

For a quick recovery you need:

- rest and drink plenty of water;

- taking antipyretic drugs with high fever;

- measure the glycemic level every 4 hours and adjust the insulin dose if necessary (for type 1 diabetes);

- If your blood glucose level is high, you need to see a doctor immediately.