Keys to diabetes management
Diabetes is a disorder where blood glucose (sugar) levels are high. It is diagnosed through a blood test. If the blood values are between 100-125 mg/dl, it is considered to be in prediabetes, a stage before diabetes. If the values are higher than 126mg/dl, the person is considered to have diabetes.
In diabetes, insulin plays a fundamental role, since it controls glucose levels. Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas, its mission is to make glucose enter the cells, and become their energy, lowering the level of glucose in the blood.
Having high glucose levels can put you at risk for heart disease, stroke, vision problems, neurological or kidney disease.
There are two types of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, it is usually diagnosed before the age of 35, it usually appears suddenly, and the cause is a total deficiency of insulin due to the destruction of the cells of the pancreas that manufacture this hormone (beta cells), that is to say that the pancreas does not produce insulin.
In the case of type 2 diabetes, it is usually diagnosed in mid to late adulthood, often going undetected except with routine blood tests. At first, insulin sensitivity to glucose is reduced, losing efficacy in reducing 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 an intolerance to glucose or an alteration of it when fasting. This means that the body resists the action of Insulin, the tissues become insensitive to the action of the hormone. . In Prediabetes the negative effects of diabetes begin to appear . It has been shown that with physical activity and an adequate diet, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be reduced by up to 58%. It is recommended to focus on the need to lose between 5 and 10% of weight and perform moderate physical exercise. for at least half an hour daily. Improve your diet by avoiding processed foods with high levels of sugar and fat.
We recommend some habits that you have to incorporate things that can help you maintain good control of diabetes.
Good feeding control
You have to watch your weight and have a good meal plan. We recommend that you follow a healthy diet. Avoid fried foods and foods with saturated fats, sweets, ice cream and sugary drinks, such as juices, sodas or sports drinks, as much as possible.
You have to watch if there is an increase in thirst and the desire to urinate, increase your appetite or if you have blurred vision, these are factors that indicate that glucose is high.
Do physical activity as a regular habit.
It is best to do 30 minutes or more of exercise, most days of the week. Going for a light walk with someone or swimming can be a very playful way of exercising. The best way to fight diabetes is to be active and control your weight.
Take medication to control it
One of the great advances for the control of diabetes is the use of oral antidiabetics or insulins. They are effective medications for the control of glucose levels. All these products have to be prescribed and supervised by a doctor.
In the case of oral antidiabetics, the use of Metformin, Dapagliflozin (Forxiga), Sitagliptin (Januvia), or combinations such as Dapagliflozin and Metformin (Xigduo).
In the case of type 1 diabetes, insulins are used that are injected and act as the insulin itself. endogenous insulin.
Highlight the new generation d and glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor analogs, such as semaglutide (Ozempic or Rybelsus), Liraglutide (Victoza or Saxenda), or Dulaglutide (Trulicity), which improve glucose levels and aid in weight control .
Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels.
It is essential to do a daily check of blood levels, and even more so if insulin is injected. Knowing your glucose level can help you regulate your activity, diet, or medication.
Currently there are devices that monitor through a sensor on the arm and a mobile application, which allows knowing the values in real time, such as the Free Style system.
Normal levels are:
- Before a meal: 80 to 130 mg/dL
- About 2 hours after starting a meal: below 180 mg/d L
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 100-125mg/dl), had a reduction in diabetes risk markers.
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Chrome
Clinical studies show that this mineral improves blood sugar levels, increases insulin sensitivity and improves cholesterol and triglyceride levels, without side effects. A daily dose of 200mcg is recommended.
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Biotin and Vitamin B1
These vitamins are essential for energy metabolism, and play a critical role in maintaining normal blood sugar levels. It is essential to produce insulin and regulates the genes involved in glucose metabolism.
