High blood sugar levels increase the risk of many diseases. Diabetes expert Dr. Nikolaus Scheper on the dangerous widespread disease.
Why are more and more people suffering from diabetes?
Because we live in a land of milk and honey in terms of nutrition. In contrast to the rare type 1 diabetes, in most cases our modern lifestyle brings the pancreas to its knees in the case of the widespread type 2 diabetes. Excessive overweight and lack of exercise are the main triggers for increased blood sugar levels. In addition, we are getting older and older.
What are type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
In the 300,000 type 1 diabetics in Germany, the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas were usually killed off in childhood by an attack by the body's own defenses. In the much more common type 2, on the other hand, these beta cells are virtually exhausted. In almost one in ten Germans, overeating causes the body to react less and less willingly to insulin. Insulin forces our cells to absorb sugar from the blood. The result is that more and more insulin has to be released - until the beta cells die from exhaustion.
Should everyone have their blood sugar levels tested?
Not all at once - but much more. Because if there is a family history of diabetes, it makes sense to get checked, even if the abdominal circumference is over 88 centimetres for women and
102 centimetres for men, if you have high blood pressure or high blood lipid levels. The health insurance pays from 35.
Is diabetes particularly common in overweight people?
The fatter someone is, the more likely they are to develop type 2 diabetes. 90 percent of patients are overweight.
Can I get diabetes under control?
One of the most dangerous diseases could be averted in over 80 percent of cases by changing your diet and taking more exercise. Eat less meat and sausage, cakes and chocolate, more fruit and vegetables, vegetable fats, dairy and wholemeal products. Every kilo less means that the body's cells react better to insulin and you are spared exhaustion of the beta cells.
Why are children already at risk?
30 years ago, type 2 diabetes among children under 20 was a rarity; today, 15 out of 1,000 children suffer from it. Today's sedentary, high-sugar and high-fat lifestyle puts children at particular risk of diabetes.
Diabetes: eight typical symptoms
Diabetes comes on gradually and those affected usually don't notice anything. Signs only become noticeable when the disease has already progressed
Fatigue: Although there is a lot of energy-rich glucose in the blood with diabetes, it cannot enter the cells due to the lack of insulin action. This results in a lack of energy, making those affected feel weak and less physically capable.
Severe thirst: Anyone who suddenly drinks significantly more or feels constantly thirsty should be alert. This is a typical warning sign of diabetes. The reason: the body desperately wants to get rid of the excess sugar and excrete it via the urine.
Increased urge to urinate: This is why those affected have to go to the loo much more often. Logical: if you drink a lot, you also have to get rid of the fluid. Some sufferers even wet themselves at night because the urge is so strong.
Weight loss: The reason for this is that without insulin, the cells cannot absorb and burn sugar to produce energy. The body therefore looks for other sources of energy - it burns fat and protein.
Poorly healing wounds: Due to the high blood sugar, bacteria feel particularly at home in the wound. Diabetes also weakens the immune system.
Cravings: Although more sugar circulates in the blood of diabetics, without insulin less and less reaches the cells. The result is cravings to get the sugar they need.
Visual disturbances: If diabetes is not recognized over a longer period of time, initial nerve damage can occur. This leads to visual disturbances and tingling of the skin.
Inflammation of the gums: Researchers at Columbia University recently pointed out that diseases of the gums can occur as an early complication in diabetics.
What lowers blood sugar levels
Exercise: When muscles work, they need glucose. They get this from the blood. This lowers the blood sugar level.
Serotonin: The body's own happiness hormone is involved in insulin production. Serotonin is produced when you are in a good mood.
Healthy diet: Low fat and sugar, but lots of vegetables, fruit and wholegrain products lower the sugar level.
Green tea: Green tea regulates the sugar and fat metabolism and prevents a rise in sugar levels.
What increases the risk of diabetes
Smoking: "Nicotine doubles the risk of diabetes," says Prof. Stephan Matthaei, Chief Physician at the Diabetes Center at Christliches Krankenhaus Quakenbrück.
Too little exercise: The combination of too little exercise and being overweight is the most important cause of the disease.
Toolittle sleep: US researchers have found that people who sleep less than six hours have an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Caffeine: Coffee and energy drinks cause blood sugar levels to rise permanently.