Diabetes - The invisible killer

It can get us at any age. The young, the old, pregnant women. Diabetes is one of the most common diseases of recent years. It is deadly, although it is usually asymptomatic at first.

Diabetes is a complex disease with many contributing factors  - The development of this disease is influenced, among others, by being overweight, severe stress, poor nutrition, as well as genetic conditions. 

It is much easier for a person with a family history of diabetes to contract the disease than for someone who has never had such a case. It often happens that we do not have any symptoms of the disease. However, sometimes we gain or lose a lot of weight. In some cases, a stroke or myocardial infarction may even have to occur for diabetes to be diagnosed.

Diabetes in pregnancy

Diabetes is also a very high risk for pregnant women. So-called gestational diabetes occurs when a woman's insulin secretion is impaired during pregnancy and the situation is normalised after delivery. If the pancreas does not return to its normal function after giving birth, the woman should undergo further tests, as it is not impossible that she has type 2 diabetes. 

Diabetes during pregnancy can be very dangerous not only for the mother, but also for the baby. Gestational diabetes carries a higher risk of developing numerous defects. These may include defects of the heart, kidneys, nervous system, gastrointestinal tract or developmental disorders of the limbs. Undiagnosed gestational diabetes also carries a risk of obstetric complications: polyhydrosis, oedema, urinary tract infections, pyelonephritis and pregnancy poisoning.

It is important for both the woman and her baby to be treated for gestational diabetes. Very often, treatment begins with the establishment of a suitable diet. Sometimes, if a woman follows the right diet, she goes through the pregnancy smoothly. However, if it turns out that the right diet does not help, the next step is to inject herself with insulin, as oral anti-diabetic drugs are not allowed in gestational diabetes.

If the diagnosed diabetes is indeed gestational diabetes, the glucose levels should normalise after the birth. If this does not happen, it is most likely type 2 diabetes. Diabetes, not only gestational diabetes, can be avoided or at least delayed. It is enough if we lead a healthy lifestyle, get enough exercise and eat well. 

A good diet involves, among other things, limiting the intake of simple carbohydrates and fats. Instead, it is recommended to increase the proportion of complex carbohydrates, especially from products containing fibre (processed cereals, vegetables, some fruit).

This is because the fibre contained in cereal products gives a feeling of satiety and also reduces the absorption of fat and glucose from the gastrointestinal tract. This prevents a sharp rise in blood glucose. 

You should also avoid animal fats (lard, bacon, bacon, pork) and replace them with small amounts of vegetable fats (oils, margarine), which help to keep your sugar levels in check. 

Fatty meat with gravy is therefore worth replacing with, for example, cod with porridge and vegetables. If someone does not like fish, veal or lean poultry meat with wholemeal pasta and a bouquet of vegetables can also be a dinner set.

When following any diet, it is important to remember that everything is for people. It is a fact that you should watch yourself harder, but on the other hand, you should be careful not to overdo it in the other direction. Moderation is important when following any diet. You can eat everything, but you have to do it at the right time and in the right proportions.

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