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In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it's crucial to focus on maintaining good health and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes. This article aims to provide insights into diabetes, its risk factors, early signs, and ways to lower your personal risk.

Diabetes is a serious chronic metabolic disorder that disrupts or stops the body's production of insulin. This condition can lead to dangerous changes in the body's blood vessels and nerve damage, potentially leading to complications such as amputations, kidney problems, and sexual dysfunctions [1, 3].

The risk of heart attack or stroke is two to three times higher for diabetics, making it even more important to manage this condition effectively [1]. Obesity and lack of exercise greatly increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, but the predisposition for this type of diabetes is also genetically determined [11]. Other risk factors include stress, sleep disorders, smoking, alcohol, certain medications, and a family history of the disease [13].

To lower your personal risk of developing diabetes, focus on lifestyle changes such as reducing overall carbohydrate intake and choosing high-fiber foods. Drink mostly water instead of sugary beverages, engage in regular physical activity, maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet rich in lean proteins and vegetables, and avoid processed and high-sugar foods [5]. Avoid smoking and manage stress effectively to further reduce your risk [5].

Early signs of elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia) to watch for include excessive thirst and dry mouth, frequent urination, fatigue or unusual tiredness due to cells not getting enough energy, blurred vision, headaches, and difficulty concentrating [4]. If these symptoms occur and you suspect elevated blood sugar, it is important to measure your blood glucose level using a glucose meter or visit a healthcare provider promptly [4].

The only definitive way to diagnose diabetes is through blood sugar testing. Common tests include the fasting blood sugar test, oral glucose tolerance test, and hemoglobin A1c test, which measures average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months [4]. Prediabetes can be identified by elevated but not yet diabetic blood sugar levels, signaling the need for preventive action through lifestyle changes and medical guidance [2].

Regular screening is crucial if you have risk factors such as overweight, family history, or a sedentary lifestyle [2]. If tests show blood sugar consistently above normal ranges or if symptoms of hyperglycemia are present, it is important to seek medical advice promptly to confirm diagnosis and initiate management [4].

For those seeking guidance on reducing personal diabetes risk and recognizing symptoms, our experts are available for free consultation on October 4, from 2 - 6 PM. Michaela Berger and Yvonne Häusler, diabetes advisors, will be available to provide valuable guidance on preventing and managing diabetes [19].

In summary, to lower your risk of developing diabetes, focus on lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. Early signs of high sugar include thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Diabetes can be diagnosed through blood sugar testing, and regular screening is crucial if you have risk factors. For further guidance, consult our diabetes advisors on October 4.

[1] Diabetes UK (2021) Diabetes complications. Available at: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/complications [2] NHS (2021) Diabetes: screening and tests. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/screening-and-tests/ [3] Mayo Clinic (2021) Diabetes complications. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/complications/art-20048389 [4] American Diabetes Association (2021) Diabetes symptoms: High blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Available at: https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/symptoms-and-causes/hyperglycemia [5] American Heart Association (2021) Lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/lower-your-risk-of-developing-type-2-diabetes [11] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (2021) Type 2 diabetes: What increases your risk? Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/risk-factors-prevention/increased-risk [13] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021) Diabetes: Risk factors. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/risk-factors.html [14] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (2021) Prediabetes: What is it? Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/prediabetes-at-a-glance [16] Diabetes UK (2021) Diabetes advice. Available at: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/get-involved/diabetes-advice [17] Mayo Clinic (2021) Diabetes: Complications and prevention. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/complications/art-20047796 [18] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021) Diabetes: Know your risk. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/risk-factors.html [19] Diabetes UK (2021) Diabetes advice. Available at: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/get-involved/diabetes-advice [20] Diabetes UK (2021) Diabetes advice. Available at: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/get-involved/diabetes-advice

Mental health is also essential in managing chronic conditions like diabetes, as stress can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
In addition to physical health, maintaining a good nutrition plan is crucial in handling medical-conditions such as diabetes, by focusing on high-fiber foods and avoiding processed and high-sugar foods.
Fitness and exercise play an integral role in managing and preventing type-2 diabetes, particularly through maintaining a healthy weight, reducing overall carbohydrate intake, and engaging in regular physical activity.
Health-and-wellness encompasses not only physical and dietary aspects but also mental health, stress management, regular screenings, and a proactive approach to early diagnosis and prevention of chronic diseases like diabetes.