Comprehensive prevention of diabetes mellitus. Primary secondary tertiary prevention of diabetes mellitus Water balance of the body


Treatment of diabetes. Prevention of diabetes

Prevention of diabetes

First of all, heredity plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes. That is why already at this stage we can safely say that the risk of developing diabetes for a person if one of the parents was sick or sick is 30%, if both are about 60%. It should be remembered that diabetes is not only a hereditary disease. The combination of risk factors in various combinations, according to many endocrinologists, equalizes the risks with aggravated heredity. So, for example, an obese person who often suffers from viral diseases has a risk of developing diabetes in the same 30%.

Currently, we can safely say that diabetes is an almost incurable disease. With its treatment, it is possible to achieve a stable remission (no clinical symptoms and complaints), but it is almost impossible to completely restore the function of pancreatic cells / cell tolerance to insulin. That is why the prevention of diabetes among the above risk groups plays an important role, because the disease is easier to prevent than to treat.

In modern medicine, all prevention of diabetes mellitus is classified into primary and secondary.

Primary prevention of diabetes

Under the primary means the prevention of the development of diabetes as a disease - the elimination or reduction of the influence of risk factors, lifestyle changes, preventive measures, both in risk groups and among individuals.

The main preventive measures for type 2 diabetes mellitus (non-insulin dependent) should include the rationalization of the diet of the adult population, adequate dosing of physical activity, prevention of obesity and its correction (treatment) if necessary. At the same time, foods that contain easily digestible carbohydrates (sugar, cakes, pastries, etc.) or animal fats should be excluded from the diet or limited. These recommendations can help prevent the development of diabetes in risk groups - among people with a family history of obesity, atherosclerosis, hypertension, women with gestational diabetes or similar episodes in the past.

Unfortunately, it can be stated that these measures are aimed only at reducing the influence of risk factors, but cannot be fully called the prevention of diabetes. At the development stage, there are now diagnostics that allow you to determine the risk of developing diabetes at the earliest stages, however, they are only designed to determine the risk of developing diabetes, and not to prevent its development.

Secondary prevention of diabetes

Secondary prevention of diabetes mellitus - measures aimed primarily at preventing the complications of diabetes mellitus and its further progression.

Among the complications of diabetes mellitus in modern endocrinology, it is customary to distinguish early and late (chronic).

Early complications include those conditions that require little time to develop - hours and days. Among them are:

  • 1) Hypoglycemia - a decrease in blood sugar levels below the maximum allowable values ​​(on most scales below 3.3 mmol / l). The causes can be many factors, ranging from an overdose of antidiabetic drugs or insulin to malnutrition, diet, excessive exercise, or drinking large amounts of alcohol. The terminal state of this complication is called hypoglycemic coma and can lead to serious consequences.
  • 2) Hyperglycemia - an increase in blood sugar levels above the maximum allowable values ​​(according to various scales above 5.5-6.7 mmol / l). The main reason for this condition is skipping the intake of insulin, which causes a rapid increase in blood glucose. The terminal state of this complication - hyperglycemic (hyperosmolar) coma - is accompanied by loss of consciousness and can pose a threat to the patient's life.
  • 3) Ketoacidosis is a disorder caused by the accumulation of ketone bodies (fat breakdown products) in the blood and their effect on the central nervous system. Prolonged ketoacidosis (not to mention ketoacidotic coma) leads to damage to vital organs and systems, sometimes incompatible with life. It should be noted that ketoacidosis and ketoacidotic coma are direct indications for hospitalization of a patient in a hospital for health reasons.

Late complications take months or years to develop. Among them, the main ones are:

  • 1) Diabetic nephropathy - damage to the small vessels of the kidneys, characterized by the appearance of protein in the urine, a decrease in its amount, swelling and pain in the lower back. Depending on the degree of nephropathy, it can lead to chronic renal failure of varying severity.
  • 2) Diabetic neuropathy is also a chronic complication of diabetes. This condition is characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves due to circulatory disorders and the accumulation of toxic products. The main symptoms - numbness, pain and convulsions - can progress for a long time, gradually reducing the quality of life of patients.
  • 3) Diabetic foot is skin changes, joint problems and disorders of the innervation of the feet caused by long-term diabetes mellitus. Disturbances in blood supply can lead to trophic ulcers, innervation - to numbness of the skin of the legs up to a complete loss of all types of sensitivity. At the same time, any scratch or abrasion is characterized by very poor healing dynamics, which often causes quite a lot of discomfort to a diabetic patient.

If, nevertheless, the development of diabetes mellitus could not be prevented, treatment involves a lifelong correction, because diabetes is not just a disease, but a very special lifestyle.

Necessary measures in the treatment of diabetes

In the first place in the treatment of diabetes should be a diet in which the intake of fats, cholesterol and foods containing sugar should be especially severely limited.

In addition to diet, physical activity should also be controlled, which should not reach a degree above moderate (as we have already indicated, excessive physical stress provokes a sharp increase in glucose consumption and can lead to hypoglycemia).

Depending on the type of diabetes mellitus and the severity of the process, as well as the presence or absence of complications, it is recommended to take hypoglycemic drugs or insulin, dosages and frequency of use are calculated individually based on the analysis data (in particular, the glycemic profile).

Important in this chronic disease is the constant monitoring of blood sugar levels (according to most recommendations, it is necessary at intervals of once a week - two weeks). In addition, it is periodically necessary to monitor the functions of other organs, in particular the kidneys and liver, the state of the retina, etc.

It is also important to indicate the features of the course of diabetes mellitus in people of different sexes and age groups.

diabetes mellitus in children

So, diabetes mellitus in children is mainly type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent) and is characterized by a rather aggressive course. Type 2 diabetes develops more often in people over 45 years of age, and affects mainly men. At the same time, diabetes in men has more pronounced symptoms than diabetes in women. This is due, on the one hand, to hormonal characteristics, on the other hand, to stress factors that men are more susceptible to and more difficult to endure.

Prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus at the Institute for Advanced Medicine

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common reasons for seeking medical help from the specialists of the Medical Center "Institute of Advanced Medicine".

Extensive experience with patients with diabetes is confirmed by the feedback of our patients. Yes, this disease cannot be cured, but carrying out the necessary prevention of diabetes mellitus is the most important event that can be done during the "reverse wave" session. The "reverse wave" method allows the body to independently activate internal mechanisms aimed at balanced work of the endocrine system.

Do not wait for possible complications of diabetes, heal your body now!

Diabetes mellitus has become such a common disease that every literate person who cares about their health should know what diabetes prevention is.

Primary prevention

Prevention of diabetes is divided into primary and secondary. The primary prevention of diabetes is to follow a series of rules that will help prevent a person from getting sick. To do this, you need to monitor your weight, eat right, be in motion as much as possible.
Of course, there are factors that no one can influence - this is a hereditary predisposition, age and developmental features in the womb, but realizing that this can lead to illness, everything should be done to prevent it.

Prevention of type 2 diabetes

Prevention of type 2 diabetes should begin, first of all, with diet. Maintaining a healthy diet concerns everyone at the moment. The excess amounts of fats and simple carbohydrates that are found in products offered on every corner easily lead to various problems when they are consumed. This is manifested in the fact that intestinal problems develop, immunity decreases, extra pounds are gained, the body's tolerance to glucose is impaired, and diabetes mellitus appears. Diet for the prevention of diabetes is of great importance, and is an essential factor not only for the prevention of the disease, but also for successful treatment.

Prevention in type 2 diabetes is not only to reduce the consumption of carbohydrate foods, but also to limit animal fats and replace them with vegetable ones. The diet should be dominated by fresh vegetables and high in fiber, which slows down the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestines.

But no diet will help if you maintain a sedentary lifestyle. If it is impossible to engage in strength exercises, you can simply take daily walks at an average pace, practice morning exercises, swim, ride a bike, go to the gym.

You should occupy yourself with interesting things and communicate with nice people. This will save the body from unnecessary psycho-emotional overload, each of which can lead to the development of diabetes or deterioration in this disease.

Prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus in children consists of the same rules as in adults, it is especially necessary to pay special attention to their implementation if there is a hereditary tendency for the baby to disrupt carbohydrate metabolism. Taste preferences are formed at a very early age, and if the child eats rationally, then the risk of pathology is reduced many times over. Not bad if the baby will attend the sports section, often walk on the street. At the same time, the time spent at the desk and computer should be reduced to the minimum reasonable limits.

Prevention of diabetes mellitus in women should include the possibility of developing gestational diabetes in pregnant women, which can then turn into an insulin-independent form of the disease after childbirth. Therefore, if there are relatives suffering from this disease, in case of overweight, improper daily routine and poor nutrition, pregnancy should be planned in advance. It is necessary to pass all the tests, determine the degree of risk, review the diet and do special exercises. During gestation, you should regularly donate blood for sugar.

Prevention of type 1 diabetes

Primary prevention of type 1 diabetes should start at birth. Its measures include:

1. Mandatory breastfeeding. Prevention of diabetes mellitus in children involves the use of mother's milk for food, since in the first year of a child's life it is a source of immune bodies, which helps prevent infectious and viral diseases. In addition, artificial mixtures contain cow's milk, which can adversely affect the functioning of the pancreas.

2. In some cases, in order to avoid the development of inflammatory processes caused by pathogenic microorganisms and viruses, children are recommended to take immunomodulating agents like interferon.

Prevention of complications of diabetes

The most dangerous thing in diabetes is the development of complications. They can be acute, in the form of a coma, and chronic (in this case, the internal organs are affected). Most often, acute conditions occur with an insulin-dependent form. Therefore, the prevention of complications in diabetes mellitus necessarily includes strict control of blood sugar, regular visits to an endocrinologist, compliance with all recommendations, the use of insulin and hypoglycemic agents.

Among the lesions of internal organs, the most common are:

1. Diseases of the heart and blood vessels, as well as problems of cerebral circulation. According to statistics, mortality from coronary heart disease and the development of acute pathology of cerebral vessels in diabetics is much higher than in other people. Therefore, the second most important indicator that needs to be monitored constantly is blood cholesterol. It is also necessary to constantly monitor the level of blood pressure, do not eat fats of animal origin, stop drinking alcohol and smoking.

2. The problem of the organs of vision. Often in such patients, cataracts, glaucoma, are detected. The state of such diseases can really improve only in the initial stages of their development. And this means that methods of preventing diabetes should include regular visits to the optometrist.

3. The development of diabetic neuropathy can only be stopped by constant monitoring of blood sugar and maximum efforts to normalize it.

4. Pathology of the kidneys. If nephropathy occurs, it is recommended to revise the diet, and reduce the intake of protein foods.

5. Infections. In order to prevent suppuration of wound surfaces and the development of a generalized process, it is recommended to carefully treat any external damage with antiseptic agents. Be sure to also visit the dentist, and sanitation of foci of infection in the body.

Diabetes mellitus is a complex disease that affects the human endocrine system. A feature of the clinical conditions of a diabetic is considered to be a high level of sugar in the blood, which is considered a consequence of the complete absence or lack of insulin, as well as failures in its interaction with body cells.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It reacts and is responsible for the metabolism, that is, carbohydrates, fats and proteins. However, most of all its action extends precisely to the exchange of sugars. In addition, glucose is considered the main source of vital energy.

Glucose processing occurs in almost all tissues and organs with the participation of insulin. If a person has insulin deficiency, the doctor diagnoses type 1 diabetes mellitus, if there are violations in the process of interaction between insulin and other cells, this is type 2 diabetes mellitus.

However, in any case, the essence of the disease remains the same. In diabetics, glucose accumulates in large quantities in the blood, not reaching the cells of the body. It turns out that all organs, except for insulin-independent ones, remain without vital energy.

Regardless of which type of diabetes is being considered, the onset of the disease can be prevented. The risk group includes the following categories of people:

  • Those whose relatives have diabetes;
  • People suffering from or simply overweight;
  • Children who were born weighing less than 2.5 kg or more than 4.0 kg. As well as mothers of children born with a weight of more than four kilograms;
  • People over the age of 45;
  • Persons whose lifestyle can be called sedentary;
  • Patients suffering from arterial hypertension, from disorders of glucose tolerance.

The second type of diabetes is dominant. It is he who occurs in 95 percent of cases. Knowing the risk factors, it is worth understanding that primary and secondary prevention of diabetes mellitus is considered an opportunity to avoid the disease and all its complications.

Phylactics differ from each other in that the primary one is that the disease does not develop at all, and the secondary goal is to prevent the occurrence of complications in already established diabetics.

Primary prevention

Initially, it should be noted that today there are immunological diagnostic devices that allow an absolutely healthy person to determine in the early stages a tendency to type 1 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, it is necessary to know a set of measures that will allow for a long time to postpone the development of the pathology in question.

Primary prevention of type 1 diabetes involves the following measures:

  1. Compulsory breastfeeding of a child for at least a year. This is due to the fact that the child through mother's milk receives special immune bodies that prevent the development of viral and infectious diseases. Moreover, bovine lactose contained in mixtures can adversely affect the functioning of the pancreas.
  2. Prevention of the development of any viral diseases, which include the herpes virus, rubella, influenza, mumps, and so on.
  3. Children need to be taught from an early age how to properly respond to stressful situations, as well as perceive them.
  4. Foods containing additives in the form of canned foods should be completely excluded from the diet. Nutrition should be not only natural, but also rational.

Primary prevention of type 2 diabetes begins with a special diet. At this point in time, proper nutrition is recommended for everyone, since an excess of simple carbohydrates and fats found in most foods leads to a wide range of health problems.

Diet is considered an important measure of the overall preventive process, in addition, it is also an essential factor contributing to the successful treatment of the disease. The main goal of the diet is to reduce the consumption of food containing carbohydrates. However, it also limits the consumption of animal fats, which are replaced by vegetable ones.

The diet of a presumptive diabetic should include a maximum of vegetables and sour fruits, which contain a lot of fiber, which inhibits the absorption of carbohydrates by the intestines. However, any diet will become ineffective if a person leads a sedentary, sedentary lifestyle.

If it is not possible to visit the gym, you just need to allocate an hour of time for daily walks with elements of walking, morning exercises, swimming or cycling.

In addition, the primary prevention of diabetes is also aimed at maintaining a stable psycho-emotional state of a person.

That is why people who belong to the risk zone need to communicate exclusively with nice people, do what they love and try to avoid conflict situations.

Secondary prevention

Sugar level

Prevention of complications is carried out if the person is already over diabetic. The consequences of the disease can be completely different. It is worth noting that diabetes is considered a serious illness, as it leads to severe complications:

  1. Cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction, ischemic disease, atherosclerosis and others.
  2. Diabetic retinopathy, which manifests itself as decreased vision.
  3. Neuropathy, which is peeling, dryness of the skin, a decrease in their sensitivity, as well as cramps and pain in the limbs.
  4. Diabetic foot, which is manifested by necrotic and purulent ulcers on the feet.
  5. Nephropathy, which implies a violation of the kidneys and the appearance of protein in the urine.
  6. infectious complications.
  7. Komam.

As a rule, complications usually develop with the insulin form. Therefore, the first preventive measure is a clear, regular control of blood sugar, as well as following the plan for visiting the attending endocrinologist, taking insulin in the correct dosage and drugs that reduce sugar levels.

To avoid complications affecting the cardiovascular system, it is necessary to monitor the cholesterol content in the blood, as well as control the dynamics of blood pressure. The patient should immediately completely exclude fats of animal origin from his diet, as well as give up such addictions as smoking and alcohol.

Often, diabetics develop vision problems, including glaucoma, cataracts, and so on. These pathologies can be eliminated only in the initial stages of their development, so the patient should visit an ophthalmologist according to the plan.

Any damage to the skin in order to avoid the onset of a generalized process should be treated using an antiseptic.

In addition, mandatory measures also include the sanitation of infected foci of the body, as well as regular monitoring of the condition of the teeth and oral cavity.

Diet

A strict plant-based diet is mandatory, even if tertiary prevention of diabetes is considered, which is to prevent long-term complications of the disease. All other measures without well-built nutrition are useless.

A person who belongs to the risk zone or is already more diabetic should eat according to the principle of fractional nutrition. The consumption of saturated fats and refined carbohydrates, including all kinds of jams, honey, sugar, and so on, is reduced to a minimum. The menu should be based on foods rich in soluble fibers, as well as complex carbohydrates.

Preference should be given to chicken meat, low-fat fish, vegetable dishes, as well as compotes and herbal decoctions without added sugar. Food should be baked, stewed, boiled, but not fried. Completely exclude carbonated drinks, sweets, fast food, everything salty and smoked from the menu.

The daily diet should be diluted with tomatoes, bell peppers, beans, citrus fruits, walnuts and rutabaga. Fresh herbs should be added to any dish. If a person is overweight, he should forget about snacking after six in the evening, and also minimize the consumption of flour, dairy and meat to reduce pressure on the pancreas.

Therefore, preventive methods should in any case be adopted. Even if the diet does not help prevent the development of diabetes, it will greatly facilitate its course, and will not allow the most serious complications to appear that can cause the death of the patient. The video in this article will help you understand what should be the prevention of diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus appears in the presence of burdened heredity, this is typical for both the first and second forms of the disease. But even under the condition of a genetic predisposition, the presence of provoking factors is necessary for the development of an obvious disease. Their significance differs for types 1 and 2:

To the loss of the ability to respond to the excretion of the hormone predispose:

  • atherosclerosis;
  • hypertension and arterial hypertension;
  • stressful situations;
  • lack of fiber in the diet;
  • the predominance of carbohydrate foods;
  • drugs that disrupt metabolic processes;

In addition to common risk factors For women, the risk of diabetes increases during pregnancy.. Such diabetes is called and manifests itself during the period of bearing a child, but if recommendations for nutrition and physical activity are violated, it transforms into typical diabetes mellitus.

Prevention of diabetes in women:

  • stick to ;
  • at least 5 times a week to do therapeutic exercises, walking, swimming, running;
  • eliminate the stress factor;

In childhood the predominant type of the disease is the first - insulin-dependent diabetes. Since it is a hereditary disease, The child is shown testing for:

  • glycated hemoglobin;
  • ketone bodies in the blood and.

Infections pose a danger to such children. They are shown immunoprophylaxis with interferon and immunocorrectors. Before the appointment of immunostimulants, vaccines and sera, a comprehensive examination is required, including stress tests.

Another factor that provokes metabolic disorders is artificial feeding of children.. This is due to the fact that cow's milk protein is similar in structure to pancreatic proteins. This leads to the fact that immune cells do not recognize the islet tissue as their own, and begin to destroy it. That's why for children with a genetic predisposition to diabetes, breast milk is extremely important.

In men, the most significant in the prevention of disease is a diet with a restriction of fatty foods of animal origin, fried, fatty and spicy foods, alcoholic beverages.

There is a particular danger when taking sweet wines, liquor, liqueurs and cocktails with sugar. They lead to sharp drops in glucose, difficulties in selecting a dose of hypoglycemic drugs. In the presence of addiction to alcohol, the risk of neurological complications of the disease increases sharply.

Primary prevention of diabetes begins with identifying predisposing factors:

  • heredity,
  • overweight,
  • accompanying illnesses,
  • bad habits,
  • age,
  • pregnancy planning,
  • exclusion of simple carbohydrates (sugar and white flour), restriction of animal fats;
  • regular physical activity, minimum duration - 150 min. in Week. Classes must be feasible;
  • normalization of body weight. For her, you need to calculate the calorie content of the diet, taking into account energy costs, the glycemic index, once a week to spend a fasting day;

Secondary prevention is applied to those who already have diabetes. Its goal is to prevent or delay the development of vascular and nervous complications. For this you need:

Tertiary prevention of diabetes is used when complications of the disease occur:

  • (damage to the retina);
  • (impaired kidney function);
  • neuropathy (, autonomic dysfunction);
  • (reduced blood flow to the limbs, internal organs and brain).

General preventive measures:

  • compensate for changes in carbohydrate and fat metabolism with the help of drugs;

Diet for metabolic disorders is a mandatory basis for effective prevention. If diabetics need to take into account the amount of carbohydrates () to calculate the dose of insulin, the glycemic index, then for other patients with a predisposition to the disease, it will be enough to remove prohibited foods from the menu. These include:

  • sugar, sweets, honey;
  • jams, preserves, syrups;
  • ice cream, desserts;
  • pasta, white rice, semolina;
  • smoked, salted fish;
  • fatty meat, offal, sausages;
  • cottage cheese above 9% fat, sour cream and cream from 10%.


Useful products for the pancreas

Protein source is poultry and lean fish. They are boiled or baked, eaten with fresh vegetable salads. Homemade fermented milk drinks, moderate fat cottage cheese are recommended. Carbohydrates - from whole grain cereals, vegetables. With a tendency to constipation, it is useful to add steamed bran to porridge or dairy products.

Read more in our article on diabetes prevention.

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Risk factors for developing diabetes

Diabetes mellitus appears in the presence of burdened heredity, this is typical for both the first and second forms of the disease. But even under the condition of a genetic predisposition, the presence of provoking factors is necessary for the development of an obvious disease. Their significance differs for types 1 and 2.

First type

Children and young people get sick more often. Often, the first manifestations occur after an infection: mumps, influenza, hepatitis, rubella. Poisoning with medicines, toxins, pesticides can be an impetus for development.

Any of these factors triggers an autoimmune process, as a result of which antibodies are formed in the body against the cells of its own pancreas. This leads to their destruction and an absolute lack of insulin. Manifestations of the disease occur with the almost complete destruction of the functioning islet tissue.

Second type

It prevails in most patients, accounting for almost 90% of all cases. Among all the reasons for its development, obesity comes out on top. Disturbances in carbohydrate and fat metabolism mutually aggravate each other, leading to the rapid appearance of vascular complications.

The main mechanism for the appearance of metabolic disorders is the acquisition of insulin resistance. That is, a sufficient amount of insulin is produced, but the tissues lose their sensitivity to it. To the loss of the ability to respond to the excretion of the hormone predispose:

  • atherosclerosis;
  • hypertension and symptomatic arterial hypertension;
  • repetitive stressful situations;
  • lack of fiber in the diet, the predominance of carbohydrate foods - flour products and sweets;
  • long-term use of drugs that disrupt metabolic processes - prednisone and analogues, diuretics, some pressure drugs, levothyroxine, antitumor drugs;
  • inflammation of the pancreas;
  • polycystic ovary syndrome;
  • age-related changes in the body after 50 years.

Measures to prevent diabetes

Depending on the age of patients and gender, there are some differences that should be taken into account when planning measures to prevent diabetes.

Among women

In addition to common risk factors for women, the risk of diabetes increases during pregnancy. This is due to the release of contrainsular hormones by the placenta (they interfere with the action of insulin). Such diabetes is called and manifests itself during the period of bearing a child, but if recommendations for nutrition and physical activity are violated, it transforms into typical diabetes mellitus.

To prevent its development, you should:

  • adhere to dietary nutrition;
  • strictly control body weight, with excess, be sure to reduce to normal;
  • at least 5 times a week to do therapeutic exercises, walking, swimming, light jogging;
  • eliminate stress factors;
  • to refuse from bad habits.

The child has

In childhood, the predominant type of the disease is the first - insulin-dependent diabetes. Since it appears in those families where one or both parents are diabetic, or there is a disease in blood relatives, then the child is shown testing for:

  • antibodies to pancreatic tissues;
  • insulin, C-peptide and proinsulin;
  • glucose tolerance;
  • glycated hemoglobin;
  • ketone bodies in blood and urine.

Infections are dangerous for such children. They are shown immunoprophylaxis with interferon and immunocorrectors. Before the appointment of immunostimulants, vaccines and sera, a comprehensive examination is required, including stress tests.

Since autoimmune inflammation is the leading factor in development, cyclosporine is prescribed when antibodies are detected in high concentrations. With early initiation of such therapy, in some cases it is possible to stop the development of the disease or to delay the appearance of the first symptoms for a long time.

Another factor that provokes metabolic disorders is artificial feeding of children. This is due to the fact that cow's milk protein is similar in structure to pancreatic proteins. This leads to the fact that immune cells do not recognize the islet tissue as their own and begin to destroy it. Therefore, for children with a genetic predisposition to diabetes, breast milk is extremely important..



Breast-feeding

In men

The most significant in the prevention of the disease is a diet with a restriction of fatty foods of animal origin, fried, fatty and spicy foods, as well as alcoholic beverages. Ethyl alcohol not only changes the body's response to ingested carbohydrates, but also disrupts the functioning of the liver, which is an organ that can influence the concentration of glucose in the blood.

There is a particular danger when taking sweet wines, liquor, liqueurs and cocktails with sugar. They lead to sharp drops in glucose, difficulties in choosing a dose of hypoglycemic drugs. In the presence of addiction to alcohol, the risk of neurological complications of the disease increases sharply.

Types of preventive measures

In order to prevent the development of diabetes, its consequences, several stages of prevention have been developed.

Primary

Designed to reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Predisposing factors are identified for it:

  • heredity,
  • overweight,
  • accompanying illnesses,
  • bad habits,
  • age,
  • pregnancy planning,
  • impaired glucose tolerance.

If the patient is in one of the risk groups, then he is shown:

  • exclusion from the diet of simple carbohydrates (sugar and white flour) and restriction of animal fats;
  • regular physical activity. The minimum duration of loads per week is 150 minutes. Classes must be feasible, with good tolerance, the intensity is gradually increased;
  • normalization of body weight. For her, you need to calculate the calorie content of the diet, taking into account individual energy costs, take into account the glycemic index (the ability to sharply increase glucose levels), spend a fasting day once a week;
  • stress limitation - mastering the methods of relaxation, breathing exercises, yoga;
  • preventing contact with sick people during epidemics;
  • quitting smoking and drinking alcohol.

Watch a video about diabetes prevention:

Secondary

It is applied to those patients who already have diabetes mellitus. Its goal is to prevent or delay the development of vascular and nervous complications. For this you need:

  • constantly monitor the level of glucose in the blood, glycated hemoglobin;
  • bring your carbohydrate and fat metabolism as close as possible to the recommended ones, maintain a normal level of blood pressure;
  • strictly adhere to the rules of nutrition, since when using prohibited foods, the glucose content rises quickly, and the effect of medicines comes after a while;
  • timely correction of the dose of insulin and tablets to lower blood sugar, with decompensation of diabetes or severe diseases of internal organs (regardless of type), intensified insulin therapy is indicated.

Each of the consequences of diabetes can have irreversible consequences. To prevent them, you should:

  • be under the supervision of an endocrinologist and related specialists (oculist, nephrologist, cardiologist, neuropathologist);
  • do not violate the terms of the planned examination and self-monitoring of glycemia, blood pressure;
  • compensate for changes in carbohydrate and fat metabolism with the help of complex drug therapy;
  • timely take courses of treatment in a hospital, including surgical, rehabilitation in sanatorium-and-spa institutions in the absence of contraindications;
  • exclude any violations of the diet, bad habits.

Diet to prevent diabetes

Nutrition for metabolic disorders is an essential basis for effective prevention. If diabetics need to take into account the amount of carbohydrates (bread units) to calculate the dose of insulin, the glycemic index, then for other patients with a predisposition to the disease, it will be enough to remove prohibited foods from the menu. These include:

  • pastries from rich or puff pastry, bread made from white flour;
  • cookies, waffles, cake or pastries;
  • sugar, sweets, honey;
  • alcoholic drinks with sugar;
  • packaged juices, nectars, sweet soda;
  • jams, preserves, syrups;
  • ice cream, desserts;
  • snacks, crackers, chips, fast food;
  • dates, raisins, grapes, figs;
  • purchased sauces, semi-finished products, canned food;
  • pasta, white rice, semolina;
  • smoked, salted fish;
  • The source of protein is poultry and lean fish. They are boiled or baked, eaten with fresh vegetable salads. Home-made fermented milk drinks (from starters and milk), cottage cheese of moderate fat content are recommended. Carbohydrates should be obtained from fruits, cereals from whole grains, vegetables. With a tendency to constipation, it is useful to add steamed bran to porridge or dairy products.

    Prevention of diabetes mellitus involves the identification of risk factors in patients. If there is a predisposition, a diet, physical activity, regular examination, and the rejection of bad habits are recommended. In children, early detection of antibodies to pancreatic tissues and correction of immunity are important.

    We recommend reading the article about. In it, you will learn about the basic prevention of complications of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, precautions for children, secondary prevention of diabetes, as well as what to do during pregnancy and how to avoid acute, late complications.

    And more about Metformin in diabetes mellitus.

    Babies only need breastfeeding. For the second type of disease, the focus is on proper nutrition, weight loss. To prevent the complications of diabetes and their progression is possible only if the blood sugar content is corrected.

In the list of diseases of the endocrine system, diabetes occupies a leading position. The disease is irreversible, it is completely impossible to restart the process of pathological changes in the opposite direction and it is completely impossible to cure diabetes. The main danger is associated complications that cause disability and death. In this regard, the prevention of diabetes mellitus focuses on two main forms:

  • Primary. It is aimed at preventing the disease in people who have a predisposition to the disease.
  • Secondary. It is aimed at preventing complications or at the maximum delay in their development.

Important! Preventive measures include regular visits to the endocrinologist.

Diabetes risk and preventive measures

According to the medical classification, diabetes has two main types (first and second) and several additional ones. Typification of the disease is due to:

  • causes of occurrence;
  • the nature of pathological changes in the body;
  • choice of drugs for therapy.

Primary prevention of diabetes focuses on reducing the risk of developing type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is impossible to radically eliminate all the causes of the disease, but it is quite possible to exclude most of the life of a potential diabetic.

Type 1 diabetes

The type of disease is called insulin-dependent (IDDM type 1), or juvenile. Pathology most often affects preschool children and adolescents. The pathogenesis is explained by a violation of the intrasecretory function of the pancreas for the production of insulin. This hormone is responsible for transporting glucose to cells as the main energy source.

With insulin deficiency, glucose and toxic products of its metabolism (ketones) accumulate in the blood. To imitate the natural synthesis of insulin, patients are prescribed insulin therapy, which ensures the maintenance of the body's vital functions. There are two main causes of juvenile diabetes.

autoimmune

It is caused by a malfunction of the immune system, in which, instead of performing protective functions, it destroys the cells of its own body. Triggers (triggers) for the occurrence of autoimmune processes are multiple allergic reactions, untimely treatment of viral infections (especially Coxsackie viruses and human herpes type 4 (Epstein-Barr), cytomegalovirus), unhealthy diet and obesity, incorrect hormone therapy.

hereditary

Caused by the body's biological desire for the genetic transmission of its own characteristics (from parents or close relatives, type 1 diabetes is inherited). The juvenile type of pathology can be congenital, requiring insulin treatment in children from infancy. Specific prevention for type 1 diabetes includes:

  • Regular examination of children and adolescents with unfavorable diabetic heredity.
  • High-quality and timely elimination of any infectious and viral diseases.
  • Selective approach to nutrition.
  • Systematic sports.
  • Reception of vitamin and mineral complexes to strengthen the immune system.

Despite the fact that it is impossible to prevent a genetically inherent pathology, compliance with medical recommendations can slow down the development process and the intensity of the manifestation of the disease.

type 2 diabetes

The insulin-independent type of the disease (NIDDM type 2) is formed, in most cases, in adults after the age of thirty. A characteristic feature of the disease is insulin resistance - a decrease or complete absence of the sensitivity of body cells to insulin. Unlike juvenile diabetes, the pancreas does not stop the synthesis of the hormone-conductor of glucose, but at the cellular level, tissues are unable to adequately perceive it and use it rationally. The main cause of development is overweight (obesity).

Other risk factors for diabetic symptoms include:

  • cardiovascular pathologies;
  • chronic diseases of the pancreas (including oncological processes);
  • abuse of sweets and flour products.

In men, the prerogative aspect of the development of NIDDM is the tendency to alcoholism, as the cause of pancreatic incapacity. In women, risk factors are complicated pregnancy (gestational diabetes mellitus in the perinatal period) and hormonal changes in the body during menopause. The main preventive measure for the development of an insulin-independent type of pathology is the maintenance of stable BMI (body mass index).

People who are prone to obesity need to adhere to a dietary diet and not neglect regular physical education.

Preventive rules to eliminate the risks of type 1 and type 2 diabetes:

  • The maximum restriction of easily digestible fast carbohydrates (monosaccharides and polysaccharides).
  • Daily physical activity and sports training on a regular basis.
  • Compliance with the drinking regime (drinking enough clean water every day, and avoiding sugary drinks).
  • Control over body weight, including fractional nutrition, exclusion from the menu of fatty foods, the introduction of healthy foods (vegetables, fruits, cereals and legumes) into the diet.
  • Rejection of addictions (nicotine and alcohol addiction).

Relative (relative) triggers for the development of diabetes can be distress (permanent neuropsychological stress) and hypovitaminosis of cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol (group D vitamins). People who are prone to the disease are advised to avoid stressful situations, eat foods rich in vitamin D, and stay in the sun as often as possible.

Parental control

In families with unfavorable diabetic heredity, preventive measures must be taken from the moment the baby is born. Strict adherence to medical prescriptions will avoid the severe course of the pathology, and in some cases, deceive the disease. If the hereditary factor does not appear before the age of 25-30, the chances of getting the first type of diabetes are reduced several times. The Parent's Guide includes preventive childcare advice.

Basic Rules:

  • Strict control over the child's diet (diet is the foundation of diabetes prevention).
  • The maximum possible duration of breastfeeding.
  • Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels.
  • Psychological support and mood of the child.
  • Systematic active sports.
  • Carrying out procedures for hardening the body.

With a diagnosed pathology, endocrinologists strongly advise attending the "School of Diabetes", where special classes are organized for adult patients, children and adolescents.

The main task of teaching at school is the painless adaptation of patients to the status of a diabetic. School groups are organized according to the age of the patients. Group 1 includes small children and their parents. Classes are conducted by doctors (endocrinologists, nutritionists, diabetologists). Medical specialists teach the tactics of insulin therapy in infants (the correct calculation of the dosage and the skills of administering medications). Special literature for parents is recommended for reading (articles on providing the child with comfortable conditions for growth and further adaptation).

Group No. 2 includes children of senior preschool and primary school age. Pictures are used to facilitate the perception of the material in the learning process. Children in an accessible form explain the need for diet and sports, teach the basics of self-control of blood sugar levels (using a portable glucometer). Effective learning is provided by play sessions with the participation of parents of young patients.

In group No. 3, schoolchildren who have reached puberty are trained. Conversations are held with adolescents on sexual education, the organization of a daily regimen and diet, and the prevention of the development of premature complications and acute conditions of diabetes. Healthy lifestyle classes are accompanied by individual leaflets for patients and visual posters. Particular attention is paid to psychological work with adolescents on the formation of life priorities for maintaining health, in particular, the prevention of alcohol consumption and smoking.

Group 4 includes adult men and women with type 2 diabetes. The classes cover in detail the principles of self-control and the lifestyle of a diabetic patient. The customized flyer includes:

  • nutrition rules;
  • correction of physical activity;
  • symptomatology and prevention of complications of the disease;
  • behavior skills in critical situations.

Secondary prevention

The main direction of secondary prevention is the prevention of the accelerated development of complications of diabetes. Preventive measures include:

  • Strict adherence to the principles of proper nutrition, including a rational diet and an individually designed diabetic diet.
  • Exclusion of hypodynamia (systematic sports, physical activity in everyday life, walks in the fresh air).
  • Permanent control of glycemia (blood sugar) and blood pressure (blood pressure).
  • Correct use of prescribed medications (hyperglycemic tablets for type 2 diabetics, and insulin injections for patients with type 1 IDDM).
  • Regular follow-up with an endocrinologist.
  • Maintaining a stable body weight.
  • Annual comprehensive examination by medical specialists of a narrow profile (nephrologist, ophthalmologist, vascular surgeon, cardiologist, dermatologist).
  • Strengthening the body's defenses to prevent colds, fungal and viral infections.
  • Careful observance of the rules of personal hygiene and protected sex.
  • Attending massage sessions to improve blood circulation.
  • Refusal of nicotine and alcohol.
  • Psycho-emotional state control.
  • The use of antidiabetic traditional medicine (before using it is necessary to obtain advice and approval from the attending physician).
  • Keeping a Diabetes Diary and attending classes at the School of Diabetes.


In the classroom at the school of diabetes, methods of practical training and group discussions are widely used.

If necessary, patients with diabetes are advised to consult a nutritionist (if there are difficulties in compiling a daily menu), a psychotherapist (in case of difficult adaptation to a new diabetic status). Compliance with preventive rules is the primary responsibility of a diabetic patient. Early control of the disease will improve the quality of life and slow down the development of severe consequences of pathology.