Over 6 million people in Germany suffer from type 2 diabetes. In the metabolic disorder also known as diabetes, the blood sugar level is too high. The symptoms are insidious.
Initial symptoms of diabetes are initially difficult to distinguish from other signs. But who knows the symptoms of diabetes , can treat its sugar early. Diabetes mellitus is not a condition you should take lightly. The widespread disease can have serious consequences if left untreated.
Diabetes -which two types are there?
There are two types of diabetes. In both forms, sugar accumulates in the blood:
- Type 1 diabetes: The cause of this diabetes is an autoimmune disease . This usually occurs in childhood or adolescence. In type 1 diabetics , the pancreas can produce little or no insulin. Insulin deficiency disturbs the metabolism. It can cause a complete metabolic imbalance (cetacidosis), especially in type 1 diabetics. Patients therefore have to inject insulin regularly throughout their lives. Insulin is an important chemical messenger in our body. The messenger substance ensures that our body uses the ingested food well.
- Type 2 diabetes: In type 2 diabetics, the body can use the insulin worse and worse. Therefore, the name ” old-age diabetes “, because this form usually occurs with increasing age. Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1 diabetes. About 90 percent of all affected diabetics have type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes: What are the early symptoms of diabetes?
In people with diabetes, the blood sugar level is permanently too high (hyperglycemia). This is not always easy to diagnose. Type 2 diabetes develops over years without any clear symptoms. Too high blood sugar levels may be associated with both types of diabetes with diabetic following symptoms:
- strong urge to urinate
- excessive thirst
- Breathing smells like acetone (nail polish remover)
- fatigue
- lack of drive
- reduced efficiency
- nausea
- dry skin
- susceptibility to infection
- dizziness
In old-age diabetics (type 2 diabetes), thirst and urgency are less common than in type 1 diabetics. In the case of persistently high blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia, hyperglycemia), there can sometimes be dysregulations or even loss of consciousness ( diabetic coma ).
How can I measure my blood sugar level?
If you want to know if your blood glucose levels are normal, then you can get your doctor do an oral glucose tolerated t (oGTT). The glucose load test measures how well your body processes larger amounts of sugar. If your blood sugar level in the sugar test exceeds certain levels, your body cells may not absorb enough sugar. You may be suffering from diabetes or gestational diabetes . However, certain medications sometimes distort the outcome. Tell your doctor about medications you are taking.
What are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes?
The following factors favor the development of type 2 diabetes:
- overweight
- Too little movement
- Smoke
- fatty, low-fiber, high-sugar diet
- certain medications
- hereditary factors
How is diabetes treated?
In diabetes, sugar accumulates in the blood. Depending on the severity, it is sometimes enough to just lose weight, change your diet, and move more. Because it is not that difficult to lower the blood sugar level in diabetes . You can do something for your own health. However, in some cases you may need to take long-lasting pills or inject insulin .
The four pillars of diabetes therapy
- Diet, a balanced diet
- Sports and exercise
- Medicines ( oral antidiabetics or insulin )
- Patient training and support
Here you will find information on recognized training and treatment programs according to the guidelines of the German Diabetes Society (DDG).
Diabetes: What are the most common sequelae?
Diabetes puts a strain on the body and leads to further illnesses in many affected persons:
- Ketazidose
- Retinopathy (retinal damage)
- high blood pressure
- stroke
- diabetic foot (peripheral arterial disease, PAD )
- increased susceptibility to infection
- Nephropathy (kidney damage)
- Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)
