Diabetes mellitus - also known as diabetes - affects an estimated eight million people in Germany. A sure sign of this chronic metabolic disease is a blood sugar level that is permanently too high. Very important: diabetes should be treated as early as possible. Otherwise there is a risk of serious secondary diseases. On idee für mich, sufferers can read what they should pay attention to in their everyday lives.
Two forms of diabetes
There are two different types of diabetes mellitus: type 1 diabetes, which usually occurs in childhood or adolescence, and type 2 diabetes, which almost always manifests itself at an advanced age and is often associated with an unhealthy lifestyle.
People with type 1 diabetes suffer from a deficiency of the body's own hormone insulin. This is responsible for ensuring that glucose absorbed through food can enter the cells of our organs from the blood and thus supply them with energy. The more carbohydrates we have eaten, the more glucose our blood contains. If it is not broken down with the help of insulin, the blood sugar level rises dangerously. Type 1 diabetes is usually caused by an incorrect reaction of our immune system, which leads to the death of pancreatic cells. Symptoms of diabetes include constant thirst, a strong urge to urinate and rapid weight loss. Those affected have to inject the missing insulin several times a day: This is the only way to supply the body with vital glucose.
Type 2 diabetes: what to do?
An unhealthy diet, too little exercise and being overweight increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. All of these factors can lead to too much glucose in the blood. Type 2 diabetics only need to inject insulin in exceptional cases. In addition to regular exercise and a healthy diet, special medication helps to control high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes always requires a change in lifestyle habits. However, if you know what is important with the disease, you can master your everyday life without any problems! idee für mich provides those affected with lots of tips and information. We show how sport can lead to greater well-being and what diabetics can do to improve their balance.
