Diabetes: Prevention and Understanding for Better Living

On World Diabetes Day, it is essential to remember that diabetes is a complex disease, but prevention and proper management can make all the difference. Today, medicine emphasizes prevention by identifying early warning signs and metabolic imbalances that often precede the onset of diabetes.

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: Two Distinct Realities

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that requires lifelong insulin treatment. It most often occurs in younger individuals, although it can also appear later in life. In contrast, type 2 diabetes, which accounts for the majority of diabetes cases, is often linked to genetic factors and, above all, to unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive food intake.

Insulin Resistance: A Key Mechanism to Understand

Even before a diagnosis of diabetes, many individuals develop what is known as insulin resistance. This state often precedes type 2 diabetes and leads to the pancreas releasing excessive amounts of insulin in response to glucose present in the bloodstream. This overproduction gradually leads to fat accumulation and the development of what is sometimes referred to as “fat diabetes.”

This phenomenon of insulin resistance presents as small imbalances which, if they persist, lead to diabetes. Therefore, it is crucial to reduce sugar and carbohydrate intake to break this vicious cycle.

Current Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes

The foundational treatment relies on metformin, a medication that improves insulin sensitivity. Additional medications may be added depending on the progression of the disease:

• Sulfonylureas, such as Diamicron, are used when metformin is insufficient, although they are becoming less common.
• Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitors) help regulate blood glucose levels as a complement to metformin.
• Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 receptor agonists), such as Ozempic, are widely used today for their dual effect on blood glucose levels and weight loss.
• Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2 inhibitors), which limit glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, help eliminate glucose through urine but require good kidney function.

For the most advanced cases, insulin remains the ultimate option, though its use is delayed as much as possible.

A Preventive Perspective: Micronutrients and Natural Supplements

In preventive medicine, many natural treatments, such as chromium, cinnamon, and berberine, are often recommended to regulate glucose metabolism. In some countries, metformin is even used preventively in individuals at high risk, as studies suggest it may also have anti-aging effects.

Caution with New Treatments

New injectable treatments, used both for managing diabetes and for weight loss, are widely publicized. These treatments can have side effects, especially affecting the pancreas. Therefore, it is important to regularly monitor pancreatic enzymes to avoid complications such as pancreatitis.

Catalase and Oxidative Stress

Catalase is a key enzyme in our antioxidant system, breaking down hydrogen peroxide, a free radical, into water and oxygen, thereby protecting our cells from oxidative stress. Diabetic individuals often exhibit an oxidative imbalance, so an oxidative stress assessment could be beneficial to determine the need for antioxidant support in these individuals.

In Conclusion: Prevention Focused on Lifestyle

Type 2 diabetes is often a consequence of our modern lifestyle, marked by malnutrition and excessive sugar consumption. In the past, cholesterol was the main concern; today, sugar is the number one public enemy of our metabolism. The best prevention remains a balanced diet, low in sugars, and regular physical activity.

On this World Diabetes Day, we remind everyone that managing this disease requires a holistic approach and rigorous follow-up. Whether for prevention or better living with diabetes, every small step counts towards better health.tem and keeping cancer at bay. Ensuring your thyroid functions optimally helps strengthen your body’s defenses and promotes better overall health.