Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, NPİSTANBUL Brain Hospital Internal Medicine Specialist Assist. Assoc. Dr. Ayhan Levent gave information about the health problems caused by diabetes.

Diabetes, also known as diabetes among the people, is one of the most common chronic diseases in our country and in the world. Stating that the primary treatment of diabetes is to reach the ideal weight with diet and exercise, experts point out that delaying the treatment can lead to acute and chronic complications. Experts strongly recommend that diabetes patients should exercise 150 minutes a week in total and follow the diet program to be created under the control of a physician in order to control blood sugar levels. Experts emphasize that even a 5 percent decrease in body weight reduces insulin resistance.

World Diabetes Day was first celebrated in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization (WHO) due to the increasing numbers of people with diabetes. In 2006, the United Nations General Assembly officially recognized that 2007 November will be the United Nations Diabetes Day since 14, since diabetes is a life-long disease that can expose the person with diabetes to various risks, as well as the person with diabetes, due to major organ damage. . Every year, 1921 November is celebrated as World Diabetes Day in commemoration of the birth anniversary of Fredrick Bantig, who discovered insulin in 14 and made it possible to treat millions of patients with diabetes.

Assist. Assoc. Dr. Ayhan Levent noted that diabetes mellitus, popularly known as "diabetes", occurs when the blood glucose (sugar) level rises above normal.

High blood sugar causes permanent damage to the body

Stating that diabetes is among the most common chronic diseases in our country and in the world, Assist. Assoc. Dr. Ayhan Levent said, “Compliance with the treatment is of great importance in diabetes, which is the primary cause of many different important diseases. Long-term high blood sugar; Since it causes permanent damage to the whole body, especially the cardiovascular system, kidneys and eyes, individuals diagnosed with diabetes should immediately receive diabetes education and fully comply with the nutrition program approved by the dietitian. said.

Even a 5 percent reduction in body weight reduces insulin resistance

Emphasizing that the primary treatment in diabetes is to reach the ideal weight with diet and exercise, Assist. Assoc. Dr. Ayhan Levent, “Even a 5% decrease in body weight in overweight and insulin-resistant obese individuals reduces insulin resistance. With less than 30 percent of the energy from fat, regular physical activity and lifestyle changes including regular weight monitoring, the initial body weight of the patient can be reduced by 5-7 percent. used the phrases.

150 minutes of exercise per week is recommended

Stating that 5-10 percent weight loss can be achieved when drug therapy, lifestyle changes and physical activity are combined in reducing body weight, Levent said, “With physical activity spread over 4-5 days a week, both weight loss can be achieved and blood sugar levels can be controlled. receivable. We recommend a total of 150 minutes of exercise per week. Exercises can be in the form of cycling, jogging or swimming. We do not recommend high-tempo sports, especially for those over the age of 35.” said

Acute and chronic complications may occur if treatment is not applied.

Assist. Assoc. Dr. Ayhan Levent, 'Diabetes patients do not apply treatments that will keep their blood sugar under control, acute and chronic complications of diabetes may occur.' said and continued:

“Acute complications of diabetes can be life-threatening and result in death. Chronic complications of diabetes occur if blood sugars stay high for a long time. Chronic complications of diabetes can be in the form of microvascular, that is, small vessel involvement, and large vessel involvement, called macrovascular. There is a linear relationship between the degree of high blood sugar, micro and macrovascular complications and all causes of death. High levels of blood sugar in cases of non-compliance with diabetes mellitus and recommended treatment principles lead to many health problems, especially diabetic heart disease, neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy. Therefore, if the individual has diabetes, regular check-ups should not be neglected.”

Assist. Assoc. Dr. Ayhan Levent talked about the microvascular and macrovascular complications that may occur if no treatment is applied:

Microvascular Complications

Diabetic Nephropathy – Kidney damage

The most common cause of end-stage renal disease is diabetes. Diabetic nephropathy develops in 20-30 percent of patients with diabetes.

Diabetic Neuropathy – Nerve damage

In an individual with diabetes; The presence of complaints such as numbness, tingling and burning in the hands and feet should make the physician suspect in terms of diabetic neuropathy. Studies have proven that the main risk factor in diabetic neuropathy is high blood sugar. Today, the most effective method in the prevention and treatment of diabetic neuropathy is to keep the blood sugar level under good control.

Diabetic Retinopathy – Damage to the retina of the eye

Diabetic retinopathy is the most important cause of blindness in adult patients with diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes should be screened for retinopathy annually, starting 5 years after diagnosis, starting from puberty (adolescence). Patients with type 2 diabetes should be screened for retinopathy as soon as they are diagnosed.

Macrovascular Complications

diabetic heart disease

It can be in the form of coronary artery disease, diabetic cardiomyopathy and hypertension. Coronary artery disease is a cardiovascular disease that mainly affects morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Diabetic patients have a 4-fold increased risk of cardiovascular disease compared to healthy individuals.

peripheral artery disease

Leg and foot amputations are 5 times more common in diabetics than in the normal population. The reason for this is neuropathy, ischemia, immune system disorders, inadequate hygiene, decreased vision and aging in diabetics.

cerebrovascular disease

The risk of stroke in diabetes increased 2-6 times. In diabetics, strokes are more deadly and leave more dysfunction and tissue.

Diabetes Patients Should Exercise 150 Minutes A Week