Many patients do not know much about diabetes when they are first diagnosed, and even many veteran diabetics have certain misconceptions about diabetes, so here is a compilation of some of the questions I often encounter during my ten years of clinical treatment of diabetes for the benefit of the public: 1.
1.What is diabetes?
Generally speaking, diabetes is a metabolic disease with chronic elevation of blood glucose level, often accompanied by hyperlipidemia, hypertension, fatty liver, obesity, etc., collectively called “metabolic syndrome”, which is a common and frequent disease in endocrinology.
2.Why do I have diabetes?
The causes and pathogenesis of diabetes are extremely complex and not yet fully understood. Generally speaking, it is related to genetic and environmental factors. In terms of genetic factors, people who have diabetes in their family (especially those who are close to them) are more likely to carry the susceptibility gene. Environmental factors, such as aging, viral infections, chemical toxins, dietary factors (“overnutrition”) and reduced activity are all factors in the development of diabetes.
3.What are the signs of diabetes?
The typical symptoms of diabetes are “three more and one less”, i.e. “eating more, drinking more, urinating more and losing weight”. In addition, there may be itching of the skin, especially the vulva, weakness, and blurred vision. Patients with complications may also exhibit complications (see “What are the risks of diabetes?” below). In addition, it should be emphasized that many diabetic patients may not have any of the above symptoms, or even no symptoms at all, but only have elevated blood glucose found during routine physical examinations.
4.What harm will diabetes do to me?
Due to the elevated blood sugar in the blood, it is easy to combine infections, such as skin infections (boils, carbuncles, etc.), upper respiratory tract infections (easy to catch a cold, cough and phlegm and sore throat, etc.), genitourinary tract infections (frequent and painful urination, itching of vulva), etc. In severe cases, diabetic ketoacidosis can be induced (manifested by rotten apple odor in the breath, deep and fast breathing, and even death by coma).
As a result of prolonged glucose metabolism disorder, it can cause multi-system complications such as eye, kidney, nerve and cardiovascular, leading to blurred vision (serious cases can be blind), protein leakage in urine (even abnormal kidney function, which can cause toxicity in late stage), abnormal peripheral nerve sensation (numbness, pain, burning sensation in hands and feet), visceral nerve damage (manifested as bloating, abdominal discharge, constipation, urinary retention and sexual dysfunction, etc.).
5.What type of diabetes do I have?
Diabetes is currently divided into four types: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes and certain special types of diabetes. The most common type of diabetes is type 2 diabetes, which accounts for about 95% of all diabetes, followed by type 1 diabetes (most of the insulin cells in type 1 diabetes have been destroyed). Gestational diabetes is an abnormality in glucose tolerance that occurs during pregnancy.
6. Can diabetes be cured?
Although diabetes has been studied in depth at home and abroad, it still cannot be completely cured. Under the current medical level, the damage caused by high blood sugar can only be reduced through good blood sugar control. In particular, we would like to remind our patients that many unscrupulous people are now seizing the nervousness of diabetic patients and claiming that they are the “xxx authority on diabetes treatment” and have developed “xxx products” through various possible media such as internet, TV, radio, magazines and newspapers. “, can “completely cure diabetes”, “diabetes no longer need diet control”, “no longer need to take insulin” “Stop using all hypoglycemic drugs” and so on “miraculous” effect, please do not believe, so as not to cause property and health losses! It is recommended that you go to a regular medical institution for consultation.
7.What should I do if I have diabetes?
Although diabetes is harmful and cannot be completely cured, there is no need to talk about “sugar”. The following are some suggestions for all sugar lovers.
(1) Diabetes can be controlled.
Although diabetes cannot be completely cured, good blood sugar control can effectively avoid or delay the emergence of complications and improve the quality of life.
(2) It is important for doctors and patients to cooperate.
Diabetes is different from other diseases, which can be treated by doctors alone with medication. The treatment of diabetes emphasizes the “five horses”, namely “patient diet control, appropriate exercise, medication, regular blood glucose monitoring and diabetes knowledge and education”. Therefore, after your doctor has formulated a drug regimen for you to lower your sugar, you still need to control your diet and exercise moderately.
(3) Regular monitoring and follow-up.
Blood glucose control is not short-term, but long-term. And as the disease progresses, the function of pancreatic islets is dynamic, and blood sugar will also change dynamically. Therefore, it is very important to monitor blood glucose regularly and follow up with the hospital to guide the adjustment of medication.