One in ten people in Brazil has diabetes. But what does it mean? That Brazilians eat more sugar than they should?
The explanation for this number is far more complex. So is the disease. There are two types of diabetes and different ways to develop it. Doctor Marco Cavalhero, from São Lucas Hospital, and Olivia Moita, a 16-year-old student who was diagnosed with diabetic at a very young age, help us understand the importance of World Diabetes Day, celebrated on November 14th, and essential information about the health problem.
THE MEANING OF DIABETES MELLITUS
The word diabetes has roots in the greek word diabainenm, which means “to pass through”. Its name was given because excessive fluid loss through urine is the body’s main symptom, which can lead to dehydration, weakness, and weight loss.
“Mellitus”, on the other hand, means “sweet as honey”. This name was added to describe the urine made sweet by an excess of glucose. This symptom can be noticed by the presence of ants in the bathroom after urinating. It happens because the “sweetness” attracts them.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2
Many people don’t know it, but there is not only one type of the disease. In an interview for Her Campus, Olivia Moita talks about her diagnosis:
“There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. The biggest myth about diabetes is the confusion people often have between the two. I have type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease. Most people think I developed it because I eat too many sweets, but only type 2 is caused by a person’s lifestyle.”
As she said, type 1 is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin. Its cause stems from genetic predisposition.
On the other hand, the cause of type 2 is explained by Dr. Marco Cavalhero as “a resistance to insulin in the insulin receptors of tissue cells”. This is primarily triggered by poor dietary habits, including a diet high in fats, sugar, and processed foods, as well as alcohol consumption and a sedentary lifestyle.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG
“The main symptom is polyuria: excessive loss of water in the urine”, explains the doctor.
In addition, you should suspect diabetes if you experience constant thirst and hunger all the time, sudden weight loss, weakness and low energy, blurred vision, tingling and wounds (or sores/cuts) that take a long time to heal.
If you have a family history of diabetes in parents or siblings, pay even more attention. Cavalhero adds: “In the case of diabetes mellitus, a blood test will reveal a significant increase in blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia”.
JUST FOUND OUT I HAVE DIABETES: WHAT NOW?
First, don’t panic, because unlike in the past, diabetes mellitus, in particular, is now well-managed, preventing medium-and long-term complications and increasing life expectancy with a good quality of life.
According to doctor Cavalhero, today, advances in synthetic insulin combined with oral medications have come a long way, ensuring safe glycemic control. Furthermore, leading a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity and a balanced diet while avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, results in a normal, long life.
ROUTINE CHANGES AFTER THE DIAGNOSIS
“I was 8 when I found out I had diabetes, and since I was so young, I didn’t really understand what was happening, but for my parents it was a huge shock, and we had to adjust and adapt our routine to deal with all of this”, Olivia shares.
During the interview, she explains that she always needs to keep an eye on her blood sugar and, most importantly, check the carbohydrate content of the food she’s going to eat, so she can take the right amount of insulin.
“I need to take insulin at least 15 minutes before eating, so it ends up being harder for me than for other people; I can’t just show up for lunch, or go somewhere, or wake up in the morning and start eating. I need to know ahead of time what I’m going to eat.”
ADVICE FROM OLIVIA
At the end of the interview, for anyone who was recently diagnosed, the student highlights:
“I’d say to stay calm, that everything eventually works out and falls into place over time, and that even with diabetes, you can achieve everything you want in life. Of course, there will be many challenges, but with determination, anything is possible”.
The article above was edited by Ana Clara Bezson Dalla Costa.
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