Interesting Facts about Diabetes

Diabetes is a health disorder characterized by an abnormally high level of glucose in the blood. This is due to either a lack of insulin secretion from the pancreas, a problem with how the body utilizes insulin, or both. It is a prevalent condition, affecting 10.2% of people over 35 years old.

Interesting Facts about Diabetes

Dr. Pongsan Leesumpun

Physician of Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolism

 

Diabetes is a health disorder characterized by an abnormally high level of glucose in the blood. This is due to either a lack of insulin secretion from the pancreas, a problem with how the body utilizes insulin, or both. It is a prevalent condition, affecting 10.2% of people over 35 years old.

Symptoms of Diabetes

The presence of frequent drinking, frequent urination, frequent hunger, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.

 not attributable to any other causes, can be considered as signs for detecting diabetes in individuals without any known pre-diabetes, abnormalities, or risk factors.

1. If the results are normal, individuals over the age of 45 should have a recheck every 3 years.

2. The following individuals should be examined before the age of 45 or more frequently re-examined, including those with:

- A body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 (calculated from weight in kilograms divided by height in meters)

- A family history of diabetes, such as parents or siblings with the condition

- A history of giving birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kg or gestational diabetes

- High blood pressure greater than 140/90mmHg

- Abnormal blood lipid levels: HDL<35 mg/dl, Triglyceride levels greater than 250mg/dl

- Fasting blood sugar level greater than 100 mg/dl after an 8-hour fast

- Sedentary lifestyle with little exercise

- A disease of the blood vessels

- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Diagnosis

1. Refrain from consuming any food or beverages containing calories for a minimum of 8 hours to avoid the possibility of a blood sugar level exceeding 126mg/dl on two separate occasions.

2. If symptoms of diabetes are present alongside blood sugar readings of over 200mg/dl at any time of day, regardless of the last meal consumed.

HbA1c is a measure of average blood sugar levels over the preceding 2-3 months. The aim of treatment is to maintain an HbA1c level below 6.5 or 7, depending on the patient type. This measure is useful because many patients may consume a healthy diet for 1-2 days before their appointment, leading to artificially low blood sugar readings. However, the reality may be that blood sugar levels were not controlled over the preceding months, resulting in a high HbA1c value. A high HbA1c value increases the risk of complications associated with diabetes.

Chronic Complications of Diabetes (or the Silent Dangers of Diabetes)

1. Cardiovascular complications can cause myocardial ischemia or myocardial infarction.

2. Cerebrovascular complications can cause paralysis or paresis.

3. Peripheral artery complications in the legs can lead to insufficient blood supply, causing pain in the calf when walking and potentially leading to foot ulcers due to the lack of blood flow.

4. Retina complications require the patient to undergo a retinal examination by an ophthalmologist at least once a year. Laser treatment can prevent the deterioration of eyesight and blindness.

5. Kidney complications are first detected through the presence of protein in the urine. If not carefully managed, it can result in kidney failure in the future.

6. Nerve complications commonly present with symptoms such as numbness, burning pain, severe pain, tingling sensation, or a feeling of being pierced by a needle, often starting in the toes and fingertips.

To avoid such complications from diabetes, it is crucial to control blood sugar levels well, starting from the initial diagnosis. Detecting and treating common risk factors, including high blood pressure and high blood lipids, is also essential.

Exercise regularly, 3-5 times a week, for 30-60 minutes per session.

Guidelines for Diabetic Patients

1. Control your diet by reducing intake of rice, flour, sugar, and sugary drinks, particularly soft drinks, fruit juices, and yogurt.

2. Exercise regularly, 3-5 times a week, for 30-60 minutes per session.

3. Avoid smoking.

4. Take medications or inject insulin as prescribed by your doctor.

5. Manage other common risk factors such as high blood pressure and high blood lipids.

6. If you experience abnormal symptoms like vomiting or inability to eat, consult your doctor immediately as blood sugar levels can fluctuate significantly.