July 12, 2023, 10:00 am July 12, 2023, 10:00 am The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) defines diabetes as a chronic metabolic
disease characterized by elevated levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood, which over time can lead to severe damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nervous system. People with the highest risk of getting the condition are those with a family history of being obese or overweight, having an unhealthy diet, and not being physically active.
About 422 million people in the world suffer from diabetes, 62 million of them in America. PAHO notes that 1.5 million people die from the disease each year worldwide, with higher levels of exposure in low- and middle-income countries.
“Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases in Bolivia due to several factors such as lack of education in healthy habits, unbalanced diet and lack of access to preventive health services. In addition, lifestyle changes and urbanization have also contributed to an increase in the number of cases of diabetes in the country,” says Patricia Cabaleiro, professor of medicine at the University of Santa Cruz.
According to the Bolivian Ministry of Health, through the National Health Information System (SNIS), in 2017 the prevalence of diabetes in the country was 6.6%, which means that 362,000 people will develop the disease and about 5,260 people will die, between 20 and 79 years of age. .
There are several types of diabetes, one of the most common is type 1, when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Type 2, when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces; and gestational diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. There are others, less common, such as MODY or secondary diabetes.
Cabaleiro assures that diabetes can be caused by various factors. In type 1, a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors trigger an autoimmune reaction that destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Meanwhile, in type 2, the main cause is obesity and an unhealthy lifestyle.
How to prevent this disease?
Cabaleiro recommends that it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent this disease. This includes a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, limiting processed foods and added sugars, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
Daily exercise is very beneficial as it helps control blood glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and help maintain a healthy weight. A professional recommends at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, in addition to strength training.
Going to health checkups at health centers or fairs is also a way to prevent diabetes. The Faculty of Health Unifranz promotes various exhibitions throughout the year with education, guidance and free visits to the public. Students put into practice what they learn, together with expert professors and researchers from the university.
Is it true that stress can cause diabetes?
Sources of stress can be situations that seem impossible to control, both physical (injury or illness) and emotional (problems with a partner, work or finances). To avoid this threat, the human body secretes adrenaline, enhances some functions of the body and reduces others, which makes it possible to make a large amount of stored energy (glucose and fat) available to the cells. Thus, the level of insulin falls, and the level of sugar and adrenaline in the blood rises.
Chronic stress can affect blood glucose levels and worsen diabetes control in people who already have diabetes. It is important to manage stress through relaxation techniques, physical activity, and emotional support.
Recommendations for a person with diabetes
In the diabetic diet, it is recommended to consume foods with a low glycemic index, such as green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. It is important to emphasize the importance of portion control and avoiding processed foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates.
Diabetes management requires a holistic approach, including lifestyle changes, disease education, and the correct use of medications, if needed. In addition, it is very important to have the support of professionals and to have an individual care plan. “With good management, people with diabetes can lead full and healthy lives,” Cabaleiro says.