On National Diabetes Day, on June 26, the warning for disease awareness and prevention is reinforced. Not only genetic factors, but the absence of healthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyle are risk factors for their development.

According to the International Federation of Diabetes (IDF), it is estimated that more than 530 million adults live with the condition in the world-and this number can reach 640 million by 2030.

“In Brazil, it is estimated that the disease affects close to 20 million people, and the alarming is that many of them still [estão] without diagnosis. Therefore, risks, control and access to information are fundamental for a more serious clinical picture to generate other serious complications that may endanger the patient’s life, ”warns Prof. Durval Ribas Filho, Nutrologist, Fellow of Obesity Society (FTOS-UUS), president of the Brazilian Nutrology Association (Abran) and CBN2025 speaker.

Diabetes Risks

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition in which insufficient production or malabsorption of insulin occurs, a hormone that regulates blood glucose and ensures energy for the body.

Without control, or diabetes It can affect various organs and cause cardiovascular disease, such as infarction and stroke (stroke); Diabetic retinopathy, with blindness risk; nephropathy, with impairment of the kidneys; Neuropathy, anthills, pain or loss of sensitivity, and diabetic foot, causing from serious infections to amputation.

Types of diabetes

Diabetes is classified into some types. The main ones are:

• Type 1: It is an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks insulin -producing cells in the pancreas. It usually manifests itself in childhood or adolescence and requires daily use of insulin.
• Type 2: considered the most common form and is mainly associated with the insulin resistance. Most adults reach, but there has been an increase among young people due to sedentary lifestyle and unbalanced and unhealthy diet.
• Gestational diabetes: Developed during pregnancy, in some cases it may be at risk for both the mother and the baby. The continuous and rigorous monitoring of an expert is essential. It usually disappears after delivery, but may be a future risk to trigger type 2 diabetes.

Myths and truths about diabetes

Below, Prof. Dr. Durval Ribas Filho clarifies the main myths and truths about diabetes. Check it out!

1. Eating a lot of sugar causes diabetes

Mito. Exaggerating sugar consumption does not cause diabetes directly. However, it is associated with weight gain and obesity, which is an important “trigger” and risk factor to develop the disease.

2. Only overweight people have diabetes

Mito. Lean people can also develop the disease, especially type 1, which is autoimmune. In the diagnosis, genetic factors and family historical factors should be considered.

3. Diabetic can never eat sweets

There are caveats. The rule is moderation. Sweets should be part of a control and planning of a balanced and medical and nutritional diet.

4. Diabetes has cure

Mito. For being a chronic diseasethere is no cure yet. But under control, it allows a good quality of life, coupled with a healthy lifestyle, correct dosage of medicines and continuous medical follow -up.

5. Insulin causes dependence

Mito. In many cases, the use of this hormone is part of treatment and does not cause dependence.

6. Physical activity is important

True. Exercises done regularly help to improve insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control, which contributes to day-to-day well-being.

7. Blindness and amputations are risks of untreated diabetes

True. Is Complications are very serious and can happen if the disease is not properly controlled.

By Edna Vairletti