Diabetes and complications: symptoms and solutions

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body cannot cause sufficient insulin or cannot use the insulin produced. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood, essential for the supply of energy of cells in the body.

There are two main types of diabetes:

1. Diabetes of type 1: An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. People with type 1 diabetes should administer their insulin daily.
2. Diabetes of type 2: it occurs when the body cannot effectively use insulin produced or does not produce enough insulin. It is the most common type and is often related to lifestyle factors, such as obesity, lack of physical activity and unhealthy nutrition.

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications, such as cardiovascular disease, renal failure, vision problems and nerve injury. Diabetes control involves a balanced diet, regular physical exercises and, in some cases, medication or insulin.

How does diabetes manifest?

Diabetes can manifest itself through a series of symptoms, which vary depending on the type of diabetes and how advanced the disease is. Here are the most common signs and symptoms:

• Excessive thirst (polydipsia) - People with diabetes feel the need to drink a lot of water.
• Frequent urination (polyuria) - the frequent need to urinate, especially at night.
• Fatigue - lack of energy, because the body cannot effectively use glucose for energy.
• Exaggerated hunger (polyphagia) - Even after eating, people with diabetes may feel an excessive hunger.
• Unexplained weight loss - especially in type 1 diabetes, weight loss may occur, even if the person eats normal or even more than necessary.
• Blurred vision - High levels of blood sugar can affect vision.
• Slow healing - wounds or infections are more difficult to heal in people with diabetes.
• Frequent infections - Diabetes can weaken the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections, such as urinary tract infections or skin infections.

Specific manifestations of type 1 diabetes: Symptoms can occur suddenly and develop rapidly. Affected people may have severe symptoms in a short time including diabetic ketosis, a dangerous condition in which the body accumulates acids from fat burning.

Specific manifestations of type 2 diabetes: Symptoms develop slower and can be easily ignored or confused with other health problems. Sometimes, people with type 2 diabetes may not have obvious symptoms for a long time, discovering diabetes only by blood tests.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor for a correct diagnosis. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications, which is why early detection is essential for efficiently managing the disease.

Who is prone to diabetes?

The predisposition to diabetes may vary depending on the type of diabetes, but there are certain risk factors that increase the probability of developing the disease. Here is who is more prone to diabetes, depending on the type:

1. Type 1 diabetes

This type of diabetes is usually caused by an autoimmune reaction in which the immune system attacks the insulin -producing cells in the pancreas. Although the exact causes are not fully understood, risk factors include:

• Family history: If you have a parent or brother/sister with type 1 diabetes, your risk increases.
• Genetic factors: Certain genes increase the risk of developing type 1 diabetes - HLA (Human leukocyte antigen).
• Environmental factors: Exposure to certain viruses can trigger autoimmune reaction to genetically prone persons.
• Age: Type 1 diabetes frequently occurs in children and adolescents, but it can also occur in adults.

2. Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is more common and is related to genetic factors and lifestyle that includes:

• Overweight or obese people: excess weight, especially abdominal fat, increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• sedentariness: Lack of physical activity contributes to weight gain and decrease in insulin sensitivity.
• Family history: If you have family members with type 2 diabetes, your risk is higher.
• Age: The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age, especially after 45 years.
• High blood pressure: High blood pressure is often associated with type 2 diabetes.
• High cholesterol and triglycerides: Abnormal blood fat levels increase the risk.
• History of gestational diabetes: Women who have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (SOP): It is associated with insulin resistance and can increase the risk of diabetes.

3. Gestational diabetes

This type of diabetes occurs during pregnancy and affects women who have not previously had diabetes. Risk factors include:

• Excess weight before pregnancy.
• History of gestational diabetes in previous tasks.
• Age over 25 years at the time of pregnancy.
• Family history of type 2 diabetes.
• Birth of a big child (over 4 kg) previous.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet and regular physical activity, can help prevent type 2 diabetes, even in the case of genetically prone.

Studies on diabetes in Romania

In Romania, diabetes is a major public health problem, and various studies and reports have been made to better understand the prevalence, impact and management of the disease. Here are some relevant information from studies and research on diabetes in Romania:

1. Predatorr study (2013-2014)

This is one of the most important studies in Romania on the prevalence of diabetes. Predatorr (prevalence of diabetes, prediabet, overweight, obesity, dyslipidemia and chronic kidney disease in the adult population in Romania) was a national study by the Romanian Society of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases.

According to this study, the prevalence of diabetes in the adult population in Romania (between the ages of 20 and 79) was estimated at approximately 11.6%, a much higher value than the European average.

The study revealed a high prediabet prevalence with a rate of 16.5%, which indicates an increased risk for developing diabetes in the future. Approximate 31% Of the adults were obese, a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

2. Epidiab study

This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of diabetes and its complications in Romania. It has been found that many cases of diabetes are not diagnosed in time, and glycemic control in known patients is often deficient.

The study indicated that a significant proportion of patients with diabetes have a suboptimal glycemic control, which leads to complications such as diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy and cardiovascular disease.

3. National reports and statistics

According to data presented by National Institute of Public Health (INSP) and the Ministry of Health of Romania in 2019, approximately 1.5 million people They were diagnosed with diabetes.

Romania is facing a constant increase in diabetes incidence, mainly fed by risk factors such as sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy nutrition and high obesity rate.

Diabetes is a major public health problem in Romania, with a high prevalence and a constant increase in the number of cases.

Complications in the case of diabetes

Diabetes, especially when not well managed, can lead to a number of complications that affect various organs and systems in the body. These complications can be classified in acute complications (that appear quickly) and chronic complications (which develops over time).

1. acute complications

These complications occur quickly and often require immediate medical intervention.

Hypoglycemia (blood glucose decrease): it occurs when the blood sugar level drops below normal limits, or due to excessive insulin treatment, insufficient food consumption, or because of an intense physical exertion. symptom: abundant sweating, tremors, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, weakness, palpitations and, in severe cases, loss of knowledge or seizures.

Hyperglycemia (blood glucose growth): it occurs when blood sugar is uncontrolled and remains constantly high. symptom: excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred and nausea. In the long term, untreated hyperglycemia can lead to chronic complications.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): A serious complication, especially in people with type 1 diabetes, in which the body does not have enough insulin to use glucose and begins to break down fat, producing acids called ketones. symptom: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fast breathing and acetone smell in breathing. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency.

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS): A serious complication of type 2 diabetes that occurs when the blood sugar is extremely high, leading to severe dehydration and alteration of the state of consciousness. symptom: intense thirst, frequent urination, confusion, drowsiness and, in severe cases, coma.

2. chronic complications

These complications develop over time, usually due to increased and persistent blood glucose levels.

Cardiovascular disease

People with diabetes have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease (that can lead to heart attack), atherosclerosis (strengthening of arteries) and stroke. Diabetes favors the accumulation of fat plates in large and small arteries, which increases the risk of blockages and cardiovascular complications.

Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)

It is one of the most common complications of diabetes and can affect various types of nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy: cause pain, numbness, tingling and weakness, especially in the legs and hands. Autonomous neuropathy: it can affect the internal organs, leading to digestive problems, urination, sexual dysfunction and irregular heartbeat.

Diabetic retinopathy (eye damage)

Diabetes can affect small blood vessels in the retina, leading to damage to vision and, in severe cases, blindness. Other eye issues include cataract and glaucoma, which are more common in people with diabetes.

Diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage)

Diabetes can affect small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to decreasing their ability to filter the blood effectively. This can develop towards renal failure (chronic kidney disease) that requires dialysis or kidney transplant.

The diabetic foot

Neuropathy and impairment of circulation in the legs can lead to ulcers and infections that are hard to cure. In severe cases, uncontrolled infections can lead to gangrene, which can impose amputation.

Affecting the immune system

People with diabetes have a weakened immune system, which makes them more susceptible to infections, such as skin infections, urinary tract infections and Candidosis. Also, wound healing is slower.

3. Prevention of complications

To reduce the risk of complications related to diabetes, it is essential:

• Blood glucose control: Maintaining a blood sugar level within the recommended limits.
• Regular monitoring: periodic checking of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Adopting a healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy body weight and quitting smoking.
• Drug treatment: The correct consequence of the treatments prescribed by the doctor, including insulin or diabetes drugs.

Complications of diabetes can be prevented or delayed significantly by adequate management of the disease.

How helps bitter cucumber helps relieve diabetes symptoms?

The bitter cucumber (Momordica Charantia), also known as bitter cucumber, is traditionally used in alternative medicine to help control diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. 

 

It contains active compounds that can have a beneficial effect on the blood sugar level. Here's how bitter cucumber can help in improving diabetes:

1. Insulin sensitivity improvement

Amar cucumber contains compounds such as charantin, polypeptide-p (a compound similar to insulin) and Vicina, which can help improve insulin sensitivity. This helps the body to use insulin more effectively to transport blood glucose to cells.

2. Reducing blood sugar level

Several studies have suggested that bitter cucumber extracts can have a hypoglycemic effect (lowering blood sugar levels). Regular consumption of bitter cucumber can help regulate blood sugar, by lowering glucose absorption in the intestine and increasing glucose absorption by cells.

3. Stimulating insulin secretion

Bitter cucumber can help the pancreas to secrete more insulin, which is essential for people with type 2 diabetes, which often have insufficient insulin production. This contributes to lowering the level of glucose in the blood and better control of diabetes.

4. Antioxidant and anti -inflammatory effect

Bitter cucumber is rich in antioxidants, which help to combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. These are commonly associated with diabetes complications, such as cardiovascular disease and nerve damage. Consumption of bitter cucumber can reduce the risk of these complications.

5. Adjusting carbohydrate metabolism

Bitter cucumber can help regulate carbohydrate metabolism, reducing their conversion to glucose and thus preventing the sudden blood sugar increases.

Warings:

• Bitter cucumber can significantly decrease blood sugar, so people who already take diabetes should be cautious to avoid hypoglycemia.
• It is recommended to consult a doctor before starting to consume bitter cucumber regularly, especially if you are already undergoing treatment for diabetes.

Although bitter cucumber can help improve diabetes, It should not be considered a substitute for conventional treatment, but rather an adjuvant in the management of the disease.

Other natural adjuvants in managing diabetes

Gymnema Sylvestre, Garcinia Cambodia, Holy Busuioc (Tulsi) and alpha-lipoic acid There are natural plants and supplements that have been studied for their potential effects on diabetes control, especially type 2 diabetes. Here's how each of them can contribute to the improvement or treatment of diabetes:

1. Gymnema Sylvestre

Gymnema Sylvestre It is a traditionally used plant in Ayurvedic medicine for blood sugar control. The main active compounds of this plant, called Gimnemicins, have several beneficial effects on diabetes:

• Reducing sugar absorption: Gymnema can reduce sugary absorption in the intestines, which helps prevent rapid blood sugar increases.
• Beta cell regeneration from pancreas: Animal studies have shown that gymnema can help regenerate the insulin -producing beta cells in the pancreas, which can increase insulin production.
• Reducing the craving for sweets: Gymnema blocks the gustatory receptors for sugar, which can reduce the craving for sweet foods, being useful in controlling diet and weight.

2. Garcinia Cambogia

Garcinia Cambogia is mainly known for its weight loss properties, but it can also have beneficial effects in diabetes management:

• Improving insulin sensitivity: Garcinia Cambogia Extract contains Hydroxyclic acid (HCA), which can help improve insulin sensitivity, thus facilitating the more efficient use of glucose by cells.
• Weight control: Garcinia Cambogia helps to lose weight, an important factor in controlling type 2 diabetes, because excess weight contributes to insulin resistance.
• Reducing fat synthesis: HCA from Garcinia Cambogia inhibits Citrat enzyme liaza, which reduces the production of fatty acids and can help prevent fat accumulation, a risk factor in type 2 diabetes.

3. The holy basil (Tulsi)

The holy basil, also known as Tulsi, is a sacred plant in India, used in Ayurvedic medicine for a number of benefits, including diabetes control:

• Reduction of blood sugar: The holy basil can decrease the blood sugar level both in the case of the basic blood sugar (on non -label) and after meals. Its active compounds can improve the function of beta cells in pancreas and increase insulin secretion.
• Antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties: Tulsi has antioxidant properties that can reduce oxidative stress, a factor that contributes to diabetes complications. It also reduces inflammation, thus protecting vital organs, such as kidneys and heart.
• Protection against complications: Studies have shown that Tulsi can protect against diabetes complications, such as hyperlipidemia (high levels of lipids in the blood) and damage to blood vessels.

4. alpha-lipoic acid

Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress and plays an important role in cellular metabolism:

• Improving insulin sensitivity: Alpha-lipoic acid can improve the ability of cells to respond to insulin, thus reducing insulin resistance, a key factor in type 2 diabetes.
• Reduction of blood sugar: It can help lower blood glucose levels and improve glucose metabolism.
• Prevention and treatment of diabetic neuropathy: Alpha-lipoic acid is known for its ability to reduce the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, such as pain, numbness and burns, a common complication of diabetes.
• Antioxidant effects: Alpha-lipoic acid protects cells against oxidative stress, which plays an important role in damage to nerve cells and other complications of diabetes.

We recommend you Diabform, with bio and alpha lipoic acid. The momordica in the composition has Important role in the normal maintenance of blood sugar level. It has insulin -like activity. Stimulates pancreatic cells. This ingredient is also called "bitter cucumber". It contains biologically active substances, minerals and vitamins. Momordica is delicate with the digestive tract of diabetic people, with liver or pancreatic problems.

It has beneficial plants in the composition. Gymnema Sylvestre It improves the entry of glucose into the cells and helps to use it by the body. The holy basil It is effective in normalizing blood sugar, cholesterol, calming the stomach and intestinal mucosa. Garcinia Cambodia It intensifies the burning of sugar from the body, decreases the appetite and prevents the formation and deposition of fats.

Reduces the level of triglycerides in the blood. It has polyptide composition that are insulin similar. This product does not contain ingredients of animal origin. Was not tested on animals. It can be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Consulting a specialist before use is essential to avoid adverse interactions or effects.

Article written by,

Adriana Petrescu, specialist marketing

Sources:

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