Diabetes is a disorder where blood glucose (sugar) levels are high. It is diagnosed through a blood test. If blood values are between 100-125 mg/dL, it is considered prediabetes, a stage prior to diabetes. If the values are above 126 mg/dL, the person is considered to have diabetes.
Insulin plays a fundamental role in diabetes, as it controls glucose levels. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas; its mission is to make glucose enter cells, where it is converted into energy, lowering the level of glucose in the blood.
Having high glucose levels can increase the risk of heart disease, strokes, vision problems, neurological issues, or kidney disease.
There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed before age 35, often appears suddenly, and is caused by a total deficiency of insulin due to the destruction of the pancreatic cells that produce this hormone (beta cells); in other words, the pancreas does not produce insulin.
In the case of type 2 diabetes, it is usually diagnosed in mid-to-late adulthood and is often not detected until a routine blood test. At first, insulin sensitivity to glucose is reduced, losing effectiveness in lowering glucose values; later, the production of this hormone is completely altered. It is usually caused by being overweight, lack of physical activity, and genetic factors.
In prediabetes, there is glucose intolerance or an alteration of fasting glucose. This means the body resists the action of insulin, and the tissues become insensitive to the hormone's action. In prediabetes, the negative effects of diabetes begin to appear. It has been shown that with appropriate physical activity and a proper diet, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be reduced by up to 58%. It is recommended to focus on losing 5 to 10% of body weight and engaging in moderate physical exercise for at least half an hour daily. Improve your diet by avoiding processed foods high in sugar and fats.
We recommend some habits you should incorporate that can help you maintain good control of your diabetes.
Good dietary control
You must watch your weight and have a good meal plan. We recommend you follow a healthy diet. Avoid fried foods and foods with saturated fats as much as possible, as well as sweets, ice cream, and sugary drinks such as juices, sodas, or sports drinks.
Keep an eye out for increased thirst, frequent urination, increased appetite, or blurred vision; these are factors that indicate high glucose levels.
Make physical activity a regular habit.
The most recommended thing is to do about 30 minutes or more of exercise almost every day of the week. Taking a light walk with someone or swimming can be a very fun way to exercise. The best way to fight diabetes is to stay active and control your weight.
Taking medication to control it
One of the great advances for diabetes control is the use of oral antidiabetics or insulins. These are effective medications for controlling glucose levels. All these products must be prescribed and supervised by a doctor.
In the case of oral antidiabetics, we must highlight the use of Metformin, Dapagliflozin (Forxiga), Sitagliptin (Januvia), or combinations like Dapagliflozin and Metformin (Xigduo).
In the case of type 1 diabetes, injected insulins are used to perform the function of endogenous insulin.
We highlight the new generation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as semaglutide (Ozempic or Rybelsus), Liraglutide (Victoza or Saxenda), or Dulaglutide (Trulicity), which improve glucose levels and help with weight control.
Periodic monitoring of blood glucose levels.
It is essential to check blood levels daily, especially if you inject insulin. Knowing your glucose level can help you regulate your activity, diet, or medication.
Currently, there are devices that monitor via a sensor on the arm and a mobile app, which allows you to know your values in real-time, such as the FreeStyle system.
Normal levels are:
- Before a meal: 80 to 130 mg/dL
- About 2 hours after starting a meal: below 180 mg/dL
There are food supplements that can help you in the fight against diabetes and prediabetes:
Zinc and turmeric
A study showed that the combined use of zinc and turmeric for 90 days in people diagnosed with prediabetes (values between 100-125 mg/dL) led to a reduction in diabetes risk markers.
Chromium
Clinical studies show that this mineral improves blood sugar levels, increases insulin sensitivity, and improves cholesterol and triglyceride levels with no side effects. A daily dose of 200mcg is recommended.
Biotin and Vitamin B1
These vitamins are essential for energy metabolism and play a fundamental role in maintaining normal blood sugar levels. They are essential for producing insulin and regulating genes involved in glucose metabolism.