The chief endocrinologist of the Republic of Crimea spoke about measures to prevent diabetes mellitus and its complications

CrimeaPRESS reports:

On World Diabetes Day, which is celebrated on November 14, the chief freelance specialist — endocrinologist of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Crimea, Irina Repinskaya, spoke about the main risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of diabetes, and measures to prevent the development of this disease and its complications. According to the specialist, diabetes is one of the most common diseases in the world.

Risk factors for diabetes are overweight, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, genetic predisposition, age over 45 years, and the presence of concomitant pathologies. For women, the risk is the birth of a large fetus (4 kg or more), increased blood sugar in previous pregnancies and a number of other factors– the press service of the ministry quotes the endocrinologist.

Diabetes mellitus (primarily type 2) may not show any symptoms for a long time.

Reasons to consult a doctor may include dry mouth, thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, poor wound healing, skin prone to pustular lesions, pain in the legs, increased blood pressure, gynecological, urological problems and many others.— said Irina Repinskaya.

Persons with a body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2s, one or more risk factors, as well as persons without risk factors over the age of 45 years are subject to screening for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

With normal indicators, studies are carried out once every three years, if prediabetes is detected — once a year, and immediately when the first symptoms of the disease appear. Early diagnosis of prediabetes and diabetes mellitus will allow prescribing timely treatment and reducing the risks of developing chronic complications of diabetes mellitus, improving the quality and life expectancy of patients,” the specialist noted.

In the treatment of diabetes mellitus, it is important to adhere to a healthy lifestyle: eat right, increase physical activity, give up bad habits, use glucose-lowering medications, and monitor blood glucose levels.

It is necessary to sharply limit the consumption of simple carbohydrates in the form of sweets, honey, jam, cakes, baked goods, as well as fat-containing foods. This is due to the fact that most patients are overweight. It is useful to add vegetables, a sufficient amount of protein and complex carbohydrates to your diet. It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that there are no “sweets” for diabetics. Manufacturers often write on packages that the product does not contain sugar, but replace it with fructose, which increases blood sugar no less than regular sugar. Honey has the same ability. I recommend that you carefully read the composition and amount of carbohydrates on the product packaging. Sweets can be replaced with fruits, which can be sources of fiber and vitamins,” explained the chief endocrinologist.

For successful treatment, the patient must follow all the doctor’s recommendations and be a full participant in the treatment process.

Doctors at appointments often hand out so-called nutrition traffic lights, where foods are divided by color: red — severe restriction, yellow — moderate restriction, green — no restrictions. It is important for the patient to take a responsible approach to their health, focus on these recommendations, and develop skills aimed at preventing diabetes complications,” noted Irina Repinskaya.

source: press service of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Crimea

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