Silent and lethal if not controlled, this is diabetes, a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, or when the body cannot use it effectively, generating micro damage. and macrovascular.
According to the internist endocrinologist at our Quirónsalud Group Clinic, Edgard Nessim Dayan, near the 8% of the population in the country would suffer from this diseaseHowever, he warns that this figure may vary since there are people who have not been diagnosed. “There is a group of the population that has some elevation in their glycemia levels and has not realized it, but it is also worth rescuing that the health coverage that exists today has allowed a more accurate record of cases”says Dr. Nessim.
The three most common types of diabetes are: type 1, type 2, and gestational, with type 2 being the most common among diagnosed patients, which occurs when the body does not use insulin effectively, is overweight, has a poor diet, and sedentary lifestyle
Type 1 diabetes occurs more frequently in children and is characterized by the absence of insulin synthesis, is detected faster and is more aggressive. “It can be caused by genetic and environmental factors, associated with certain viruses that can accelerate the disease”requires our specialist.
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy due to rapid weight gain and when the woman is prone to the disease, she can develop it at that stage. “If there is no good management during this period and in the postpartum period, the patient may end up with the disease”mentions doctor Nessim, who adds that, in this case, the patient’s history is analyzed: age, weight status and strict control is carried out during each stage.
Regarding the symptoms, before being diagnosed, these usually go unnoticed or are confused with another condition, hence the need to visit the doctor periodically. Some signs that type 2 diabetes can generate are:
- Fatigue
- mild weight loss
- Increase in trips to the bathroom at night
- Increased thirst and hunger
Can it be prevented?
- Yes, it is preventable by having healthy habits and going to preventive and control medical consultations.
- Improve your diet, avoiding simple carbohydrates.
- Do physical activity.
- Avoid sedentary lifestyle.
- If there is a family history, attend regular checkups. “If you already have the disease, the most important thing is to be in control with the doctor, follow his instructions, reduce the intake of sugar and flour and lose weight,” adds Dr. Nessim.
Special programs for disease management
Our Clinic has a special program for the management and control of the disease, the patients who come to it are educated about the control of glycemia, the use of glucometers and insulin; It is made up of an interdisciplinary group of specialized doctors who follow up on each of the cases that are presented.
This program can be accessed by all users of our Clinic, as well as patients who are referred by specialists in endocrinology and internal medicine and individuals who want to know about it. If you have had symptoms or have a family history, schedule an appointment at our diabetes program communicating to the cell number 3164780130.