It has become a real widespread disease. Every day, 1,000 Germans fall ill for the first time. What is particularly alarming is that patients are getting younger and younger. Dr. Nikolaus Scheper, a diabetologist from Marl, explains the causes and possible forms of treatment.

Why are more and more people developing diabetes?

"Because we live in a land of milk and honey. Our modern lifestyle is bringing the pancreas to its knees. Obesity and lack of exercise are the main triggers for high blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is acquired, so to speak, whereas type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease."

Do diabetics always live unhealthy lives?

"Hereditary predisposition actually plays an important role. If both parents suffer from diabetes, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is three in five. This means that a lifestyle that is still healthy for people with no family history of the disease can then promote the onset of the disease."

Is it better to get tested for the disease?

"Not all at once - but many more. If you have a family history of diabetes, a waist circumference of over 88 centimetres in women and 102 centimetres in men, high blood pressure or high blood lipid levels, it makes sense to get checked. The health insurance pays from 35."

Do overweight people get sick sooner or later?

"The fatter someone is, the more likely it is that they will develop type 2 diabetes sooner or later. More than 90 percent of all diabetics are overweight."

Why are patients getting younger and younger?

"It's simple: a sedentary, high-sugar and high-fat lifestyle poses a particular risk for children. Thirty years ago, a diabetic under 20 was a rarity, but now more and more children are suffering from the metabolic disease formerly known as 'senile diabetes'. One reason for this is that daycare centers and schools offer food that is unfortunately not appropriate."

How could the number of new cases be reduced?

"Through broader nutritional education and regular endurance sports - three times a week, 30 minutes. Exercise enables the body to break down fats and carbohydrates better and faster. Insulin also has a better effect on the cells. Exercise also increases the basal metabolic rate, automatically burning more calories, even if you take a break."

These 8 symptoms indicate the disease

Thirst and urge to urinate

The body tries to excrete the sugar via the urine. Affected people therefore often have an increased urge to urinate.

Tiredness, loss of performance

Although the sugar is in the blood, it cannot enter the cells because there is too little of the transporter insulin. The cells are not properly supplied. The result: tiredness and fatigue.

Cravings

Here, too, the undersupplied cells are the reason: they have too little sugar. But they need some - and try to get it from other foods. The body responds with cravings.

Weight loss for no reason

And because the cells cannot produce energy without sugar, the body turns to other sources: It burns fat and protein.

Tendency to infections

The disturbed sugar balance also means that the immune system no longer functions properly. As a result, those affected often suffer from flu-like infections, which are difficult to get rid of.

Poorly healing wounds

The blood supply to the blood vessels is impaired. Vascular changes due to diabetes and a weakened immune system are the cause of this.

Calf cramps

Diabetes also disrupts the body's magnesium balance, which can lead to nocturnal calf cramps.

Visual disturbances

If diabetes is not recognized, initial nerve damage can occur. This leads to visual disturbances and a tingling sensation on the skin.

Skin problems: This is good for you and helps

It is dry, very sensitive and itchy: the skin of diabetics. The reason: the body tries to get rid of excess sugar via the urine. In doing so, it loses water and the skin dries out in the long term. It is also more susceptible to infections. Diabetics should ideally only shower very briefly and at lukewarm temperatures so as not to stress the skin. Instead of soap, it is better to use mild cleansers that are adapted to the skin's pH value and contain moisturizing substances. Very important: dry thoroughly, otherwise there is a risk of germs. Apply cream well after showering. Foot baths should only last five minutes and be no hotter than 35 degrees. Dry thoroughly afterwards.

The 6-point prevention program

80 percent of cases could be averted at the beginning of the disease by making a change

1. get enough sleep!

Many studies have shown that even a slight sleep deficit can upset the sugar balance. In addition, more free fatty acids circulate in the blood, and these cancel out the effect of insulin. You need at least seven hours.

2. as much movement as possible in everyday life.

Studies show that just ten minutes a day can make a difference. Cycle or go for a walk. Anything is better than nothing.

3. pay attention to your diet.

Whole grains cause blood sugar levels to rise slowly and keep you full for a long time. Important: Fruit also contains sugar and carbohydrates. It is better to eat less fruit and more vegetables instead.

4. relax.

The stress hormone cortisol mobilizes energy by increasing blood sugar levels. In addition, stress activates messenger substances that mean that the body's own insulin no longer works as well. Yoga or meditation help well.

5. stop smoking immediately!

Smoking doubles the risk of diabetes. Studies have shown that tobacco consumption lowers the sensitivity of cells to insulin and thus promotes insulin resistance.

6. lower your blood pressure.

High blood pressure is often associated with diabetes. High blood pressure, in combination with elevated blood sugar and cholesterol levels, damages the blood vessels. As a precaution, you should have your blood sugar tested once a year.

Nutrition tips

The time of taboos is over. Diabetics can and should eat the same things as healthy people. But everything in moderation: Cake, chocolate or even a glass or two of wine are no longer forbidden for diabetics. Even household sugar is allowed. However, sugar (including hidden sugar) must not account for more than ten percent of daily calories - that's about 30 to a maximum of 50 grams.

Fat: eat only a little sausage, cut off visible fat from meat. It is better to eat low-fat dairy products. For salads and co. use oils with unsaturated fatty acids such as rapeseed, olive or walnut oil.

Lots of fiber, such as in legumes or whole grain products, plus plenty of vegetables. But it's better to avoid sugar bombs such as cola or soda.

Researchers develop a new vaccination for type 1 diabetes

An oral vaccination against diabetes: this could actually become a reality for type 1 diabetics in the future. But only if the predisposition is detected early enough, even in infancy. With the large-scale prevention study "Primary Oral Insulin Trial" (POInT study), which is just starting, researchers may soon be a big step closer to this goal.