Diabetes, whose prevalence is increasing day by day like an epidemic disease all over the world, adversely affects many systems in the body. If not taken under control, the treatment of diabetes, which invites serious health problems ranging from eye diseases to organ failure, requires close follow-up. In the follow-up of the disease, especially the endocrinologist who performs medical monitoring; It is of great importance that the team consisting of ophthalmology, neurology, cardiology, nephrology, psychiatry specialists, dietician and diabetes education nurses work in cooperation. In addition, the diabetic foot team consisting of orthopedics, physical therapy, vascular surgery, dermatology and infectious diseases specialists should be included in the treatment process.
What is diabetes (diabetes)? What are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
Diabetes, popularly known as diabetes, is a chronic, progressive metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar, with serious disorders in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism, affecting the quality of life, health, and shortening life. Type 1 diabetes is an absolute disease of insulin deficiency that usually occurs in early youth or childhood. It requires lifelong use of insulin in its treatment from the moment of diagnosis. Type 2 diabetes generally occurs after the thirties, especially due to weight gain. It is an insidious disease and usually does not show early symptoms. It is a disease that can cause complications in this period.
What is hidden sugar?
“Pre-diabetes” or hidden sugar is a transition process between normal sugar metabolism and diabetes. The incidence of diabetes over time in patients with latent diabetes is much higher than those without latent diabetes. In addition, studies reveal that the secret sugar process also causes some complications over time, such as diabetes. Therefore, diagnosing and starting treatment during this period delays the transition to diabetes and may even prevent it in some cases. It is possible for patients who are diagnosed early in the latent diabetes process to avoid complications of diabetes.
Does diabetes give symptoms? What are the symptoms of Diabetes (Diabetes)?
Although it is an insidious disease, the main symptoms of diabetes are; Dry mouth, excessive thirst, frequent urination, and involuntary weight loss. Besides these; Less specific symptoms such as weakness, widespread-wandering pain, cramps, burning feet, tingling, numbness, numbness, indigestion, bowel movement irregularities, dizziness, palpitations, headache, and delayed healing of wounds can also be seen. All these symptoms occur when blood sugar stays above a certain level for a long time. Therefore, it is possible to say that diabetes shows symptoms after some complications develop. However, diabetes can be diagnosed before symptoms appear. Fasting plasma glucose measurement, which is done after 8-12 hours of fasting overnight, is the simplest and basic diagnostic tool.
What are the current methods used in diabetes treatment?
The basis of diabetes treatment; education, medical nutrition therapy, exercise, weight control, medication and metabolic surgery. Oral and injected drugs are used in drug treatment. The injected group includes non-insulin drugs and insulin. In all of this main group of drugs, new drugs are produced in parallel with rapid scientific developments and researches. These drugs are recommended individually or in appropriate combinations in treatment.
Does every diabetic have to use insulin?
Not every diabetic has to use insulin. The most important reason for insulin use is severe blood sugar uncontrolled. Apart from this, requiring the use of insulin; There are special conditions such as failure to control blood sugar with diet during pregnancy, accompanying serious kidney and liver problems, and surgical processes.
What are the fasting and postprandial blood glucose values of diabetic patients?
Treatment goals in diabetic patients are not the same as diagnostic criteria. In general, it is aimed to keep fasting blood sugar between 70-130 mg / dl and postprandial blood sugar between 70-160 (180) mg / dl. In addition, the 3-month sugar average, called HbA1c, is also an important value in follow-up. It is aimed that the 3-month sugar average of the patients should be 7 percent or more ideally 6.5 percent below. These threshold values may change in special circumstances. For example; The values of 7.5-8 percent for 3-month sugar average in elderly patients who have certain complications due to diabetes are settled irreversibly.
How should diabetics be fed? How should diabetes nutrition be?
Nutrition plans of diabetics should be planned under the control of a dietician and individually. Main and snacks should not be skipped. Meals should be limited in carbohydrates and fats and contain a certain amount of protein. The personalized nutrition program should be followed closely and updated when necessary.
Does diabetes affect other systems in the body negatively?
Diabetes is a disease that can negatively affect all systems in the body. Uncontrolled high blood sugar has a destructive effect on organs. It is not possible to recycle these damages after a certain stage. Main organs negatively affected by high blood sugar levels; heart, kidneys, brain, nerve tissues, eyes and limbs, especially feet. Hypoglycemia, that is, low blood sugar, which is common in diabetic patients, is a critical condition that mainly affects the brain and nerve tissues negatively. In order to minimize the negative effects of diabetes on other organs, it is of great importance that patients are followed closely with a multidisciplinary approach.
Can type 2 diabetes patients who lose weight stop taking medication or insulin?
All kinds of medication need of type 2 diabetes patients who lose weight and maintain it consistently can be reduced. In some cases, patients may discontinue medication altogether, their insulin dose may be reduced, or even become insulin-free.
How should diabetics be fed? How should diabetes nutrition be?
Nutrition plans of diabetics should be planned under the control of a dietician and individually. Main and snacks should not be skipped. Meals should be limited in carbohydrates and fats and contain a certain amount of protein. The personalized nutrition program should be followed closely and updated when necessary.
