The International Diabetes Federation warns of the continued global increase in the prevalence of the disease, a significant global challenge to the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities.
O National Diabetes Day June 26, promotes awareness of risk factors, diagnosis and prevention against the disease.
data of 10th edition of Atlas Diabetes, carried out by the federation, indicate that 537 million adults (20 to 79 years old) live with diabetes – representing one in 10 people. Estimates indicate that this number will increase to 643 million in 2030 and 784 million in 2045.
According to the survey, 4 out of 5 (81%) adults with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries. In 2021, diabetes was responsible for 6.7 million deaths: 1 every 5 seconds.
The disease burden has caused at least $966 billion in healthcare spending: a 316% increase over the past 15 years.
At least 541 million adults have impaired glucose tolerance, which puts them at high risk for type 2 diabetes.
about diabetes
The disease is caused by an insufficiency in the production of insulin by the pancreas or by the difficulty in using the insulin produced by the body.
“We have an organ inside the abdominal cavity called the pancreas, which has the function of producing a hormone called insulin. In cells, insulin influences the entry of glucose. So, you eat, ingest the nutrients that are absorbed in the digestive system, and in the bloodstream you have glucose, which enters the various cells of the body through the work of this hormone”, explains neurosurgeon Fernando Gomes, presenter of Correspondent Medical da CNN .
The increase in blood glucose can cause damage to the eyes, kidneys and nerves, in addition to increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as acute myocardial infarction and vascular strokes.
“Long-term untreated diabetes can cause harm to the body, such as retinal problems, heart and brain related problems. In the long term, even amputations can happen,” she said.
One of the reference values that indicates the development of the disease is the result of the glycated hemoglobin test, capable of measuring blood sugar levels also called the glycemic index.
“The normal rate of glycated hemoglobin is up to 5.7% of total hemoglobin, the molecule that carries oxygen in the blood. Values between 5.7% and 6.5% the individual is considered to have prediabetes. Above 6.5% is considered a condition of diabetes”, explains Domingos Malerbi, president of the Diabetes Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabology (SBEM).
Different types of diabetes
Diabetes is classified into different types (1 and 2), according to the form of the disease.
The most common is type 2, which comprises about 90 to 95% of cases. The disease is characterized by malabsorption of insulin produced by the pancreas, which leads to difficulty keeping blood sugar at normal levels.
The development of type 1 diabetes is related to the permanent destruction of most of the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin by the patient’s own immune system. When this happens, the body produces little or no insulin. In general, type 1 affects children, adolescents and young adults.
How to prevent diabetes
As in the case of hypertension, behavioral factors play an important role in the onset of diabetes. Neurosurgeon Fernando Gomes warns that adopting healthy habits can help prevent the disease.
Eating vegetables daily, reducing the consumption of salt, sugar and fats, quitting smoking, keeping your weight under control and exercising regularly are the most effective ways to fight the disease.
“Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, following the treatment guided by the specialist and the daily practice of physical activity are the main ways to prevent the evolution of diabetes and all the consequences that the disease can bring”, explains Bruno Helman, Founder and CEO of the Institute Running For Diabetes, who was diagnosed with the disease at age 18.
According to the Brazilian Society of Diabetes, the prevention of complications includes education on the subject for both patients and their caregivers and even medical teams, in addition to annual exams to identify individuals at risk of ulceration, foot care and use of appropriate footwear.
Prevention measures also include effective and immediate treatment when there is any complication in the feet and the structuring of health services, with the objective of meeting the patient’s needs in relation to chronic care.
complications
Among the numerous complications that can be triggered by the lack of diabetes control is the diabetic foot ulcer (UPD), which, in 85% of cases, precedes amputation. One million individuals with diabetes mellitus undergo amputation worldwide.
Endocrinologist Denise Franco, from Instituto Correndo Pelo Diabetes (CPD), a non-profit organization, explains that the diabetic foot progresses silently and, in some cases, the patient feels tingling.
“On physical examination, it is possible to notice dry skin, cracks, ingrown toenails, with ringworm, calluses, bruises, absence of hair, among others. It is the most common cause of prolonged and costly hospitalizations. A large proportion of hospital beds in emergencies and wards in developing countries are occupied by patients with diabetic foot ulcers”, says the specialist.
Diabetes, when left untreated, can reduce sensitivity to pain and temperature in the extremities of the body, because of hyperglycemia, which prevents good blood circulation. Without the correct oxygenation of the vessels in that region, the inflammatory response is compromised, so a simple stub or a callus in a tight shoe does not regenerate and the wound grows more and more.
It is estimated that 40% of patients with a history of diabetic foot ulcers have a recurrence within one year; 60%, in two years; 65% in up to five years, which emphasizes the need to encourage patient compliance through an educational process, encourage self-care and regular consultations for evaluation by a specialized team.
Source: CNN Brasil
