As of: March 6, 2024, 11:04 a.m
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel
Comments
Press
Split
Diabetes occurs when you eat too much sugar - this assumption is not entirely true.
However, sugar can increase the risk of disease.
Which factors still have an influence?
Dry skin, a strong feeling of thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, dizziness, blurred vision, pain in the feet or fingers - type 2 diabetes often develops gradually, with few specific symptoms at first, which means the disease can go unnoticed for years .
It is important that risk groups such as people who are overweight pay attention to certain signs.
However, it doesn't have to come to that - targeted prevention is possible, as the
German Diabetes Foundation (DDS)
explains.
Anyone who pays attention to a healthy lifestyle and reduces or, ideally, avoids certain risk factors can also significantly reduce the risk of developing the dreaded type 2 diabetes.
Diabetics are three times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.
What can lead to diabetes?
Know and avoid risk factors
Even in the early stages of diabetes, or pre-diabetes, blood sugar levels are already elevated.
© HalfPoint Images/Imago
In Germany, around 560,000 people are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes every year, according to the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD).
An estimated seven to eight million people in this country are affected by this chronic metabolic disease, in which the hormone insulin plays a crucial role.
The preliminary stage, the so-called pre-diabetes, also poses risks.
Don't miss anything: You can find everything about health in the regular newsletter from our partner 24vita.de.
Prevent diabetes by
following eleven recommendations and tips from the German Diabetes Foundation:
Avoid or reduce excess weight due to excessive sugar and high-fat foods as the main risk factor for diabetes.
Prevent obesity, a chronic nutritional and metabolic disease.
Avoid fatty foods and unhealthy fats as much as possible.
Plan regular exercise, at least 30 minutes per day, for example trail running, jogging, walking or cycling.
Prefer a balanced, fiber-rich diet consisting of vegetables, whole grain products and legumes.
Instead of sugary drinks, which cause blood sugar levels to rise, it's best to just drink water.
Coffee is not only healthy for the liver and gallbladder, but can reduce the risk of diabetes, studies suggest.
Quit smoking.
Drink little or no alcohol.
Avoid or reduce moments of stress that cause blood sugar levels to rise due to cortisol.
Make sure you get good quality sleep, as lack of sleep and disturbed sleep can have a negative impact on insulin secretion.
My news
Detoxification patches for feet: Detox miracle cure or rather a rip-off?read
Diabetes comes from too much sugar?
Five myths about metabolic disease read
According to experts, up to five kilos of weight loss per week should be possible - with intermittent fasting
No appointment in the practice necessary: Read which specialists you can see directly without a referral
White, yellow, green or clear?
Color of nasal mucus gives an indication of when you should go to the doctor read
Sore throat without a cold: These are possible causes
What can promote the development of diabetes?
While type 1 diabetes is often due to a hereditary autoimmune disease, type 2 diabetes is considered a so-called affluence syndrome.
Up to 80 percent of cases are caused by risk factors such as unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, stress, as well as regular alcohol consumption and smoking - factors that can also increase the risk of tumor diseases and carcinomas, such as colon cancer and stomach cancer.
Serious health consequences of diabetes
Untreated diabetes can cause serious and permanent damage to the eyes (diabetic retinopathy), kidneys (including kidney failure, renal insufficiency) and nerves (such as numbness in the feet).
In addition, severe circulatory problems (peripheral arterial disease PAD) can occur in the arms and legs.
The risk of heart attack and stroke is significantly increased.
Amputations, particularly in connection with diabetes foot syndrome, represent an alarming long-term consequence.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.