Specialist from the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases. Dr. Gökhan Yazıcıoğlu said, “When diabetes, which progresses insidiously, is not well controlled, it can turn into a serious threat, especially for the heart, kidneys, feet and eyes.”
Memorial Antalya Hospital Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Department, Uz. Dr. Gökhan Yazıcıoğlu explained what should be known about diabetes on the occasion of “World Diabetes Day” on November 14.
Pointing out that glucose is an important source of energy for the cells that make up muscles and tissues, as well as the main fuel source of the brain, Yazıcıoğlu stated that regardless of the type of diabetes, it can lead to excessive sugar in the blood, which can cause very serious health problems. Yazıcıoğlu stated that wrong eating habits and sedentary lifestyles, which have become widespread in recent years, pave the way for diabetes and said, “When diabetes, which progresses insidiously, is not well controlled, it can turn into a serious threat, especially for the heart, kidneys, feet and eyes. In order to prevent the harmful effects of diabetes, which is seen in 1 out of every 10 people in the society, it is of great importance to keep blood sugar under control.”
“It is very important to take precautions before diabetes develops”
Uz. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Yazıcıoğlu stated that diabetes is a genetically inherited disease and said, “It can be prevented with the right methods and lifestyle changes. Symptoms such as drinking too much water, frequent urination, dry mouth and delayed healing of skin wounds may indicate diabetes. It is important to recognize these in the early period and to take the necessary precautions and make lifestyle changes. Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Potentially reversible diabetes conditions are prediabetes and gestational diabetes. Prediabetes occurs when blood glucose levels are higher than normal. However, blood sugar levels are not high enough to be called diabetes and can lead to diabetes if steps are not taken to prevent it. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. However, it can also pass after the baby is born.”
“It can cause very serious diseases”
Yazıcıoğlu continued his words by saying, “It is of great importance to know the risk factors in diabetes.” Yazıcıoğlu said, “People with diabetes in the family, hypertension, heart disease and cholesterol problems are in the risk group. Obesity is one of the leading factors that cause Type 2 diabetes, which is common in the society and even occurs in childhood. Knowing the symptoms of diabetes is very important for early diagnosis and treatment planning. Because when the diagnosis is delayed in diabetes, vascular damage and nerve damage occur due to high sugar levels. In advanced periods, kidney failure leading to dialysis; eye and retinal problems that can lead to blindness, wounds that do not heal on the feet due to circulatory disorders, serious infections leading to foot amputations, fat in the heart vessels, vascular occlusions and heart diseases seen in the vascular structure.”
“Pay attention to these symptoms”
Yazıcıoğlu emphasized that attention should be paid to conditions such as feeling thirsty and excessive increase in fluid intake, excessive and frequent urination, fatigue and weakness, frequent and excessive hunger, involuntary weight loss, blurred vision, numbness or numbness in the feet, tingling, irritable mood, slow healing of wounds, multiple infections such as gum, skin and vaginal infections.
“Pre-diabetes can be prevented with lifestyle changes”
Underlining that type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented but healthy lifestyle changes help to treat prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes, Yazıcıoğlu said: “People with risk factors for diabetes should be checked for blood pressure, sugar, insulin resistance, cholesterol, thyroid hormones, adrenal glands, fatty liver. Among these tests, the sugar loading test shows whether the person is pre-diabetic; if pre-diabetes is present, it shows how close the person is to diabetes. It may be necessary to use anti-diabetic medications during the pre-diabetes period. However, it is recommended that patients correct their diet and start an exercise program before taking medication. If patients can radically change their lifestyle, including proper nutrition and a regular exercise program, there may be no need for medication. Exercise improves circulation in the legs and arms, which can often be affected in diabetic patients, while lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.”
