Diabetes

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace consultation with a healthcare professional. If you experience symptoms of diabetes or have risk factors, consult a doctor for diagnosis.

Does Rilassáre's complementary medicine replace traditional medicine?

No. Our complementary medicine protocols (nutrition, psychological support, and general medicine) are designed as an adjunct to the treatment a patient may already be receiving, never as a substitute. Every case is individually assessed by our medical team, since no intervention is free of risk and its suitability depends on each person's clinical history.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose (blood sugar) levels, which over time can lead to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves if not properly managed.

Symptoms of diabetes may include:

• • Increased thirst and frequent urination.
• • Increased appetite.
• • Fatigue.
• • Blurred vision.
• • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
• • Sores that do not heal.
• • Unexplained weight loss.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can appear quickly, within weeks. In contrast, symptoms of type 2 diabetes usually progress slowly over several years and can be so mild that they go unnoticed. Many people with type 2 diabetes have no obvious symptoms, which is why timely screening by a doctor is key.

Causes of diabetes

The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, which acts like a key that allows blood sugar to enter the body's cells for use as energy. In diabetes, the body doesn't produce enough insulin or can't properly use the insulin it produces.

Types of diabetes

Most common types:

• • Type 1 diabetes. A chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin.
• • Type 2 diabetes. A chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose).
• • Prediabetes. A condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes.
• • Gestational diabetes. A form of high blood sugar affecting pregnant women.

Diabetes diagnosis

Diabetes diagnosis must be made by a doctor through laboratory testing. Some of the tests used include:

Random plasma glucose test

Measures how much glucose is circulating in the blood at any time of day, without requiring fasting. A result of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) or higher may indicate diabetes, and the doctor will request confirmation with another test.

Fasting plasma glucose test

This blood test is done after at least 8 hours without food or drink (except water). A normal fasting level is between 60 and 99 mg/dl. Diabetes is confirmed when two separate tests each show a reading of 126 mg/dl or higher.

Oral glucose tolerance test

Performed after 8 hours of fasting, followed by drinking a solution with a known amount of glucose (usually 75 grams), measuring blood glucose before and 2 hours after. A level of 200 mg/dl or higher at 2 hours indicates diabetes; 140 to 199 mg/dl indicates prediabetes.

A1c (glycated hemoglobin)

Measures average blood glucose control over the previous three months. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), A1c levels above 6.5% are considered diagnostic of diabetes; levels between 5.7-6.4% indicate prediabetes, and levels below 5.6% are considered normal. Under certain conditions (hemoglobin mutations, severe anemia, recent transfusions) this test may not be accurate, so the doctor will determine the most appropriate test for each case.

Diabetes treatments

The main treatment, always prescribed by a doctor, involves managing blood sugar through diet, oral medications, or insulin, along with regular checkups to detect complications early.

• • Type 1 diabetes. The goal is to maintain adequate blood sugar levels through regular monitoring, insulin therapy, diet, and exercise, under medical supervision.
• • Type 2 diabetes. Treatments may include diet, exercise, insulin therapy, and medication, as defined by the treating physician.
• • Prediabetes. Progression to type 2 diabetes is not inevitable. It's possible to return to normal blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes, weight loss, and, in some cases, medication prescribed by a doctor.
• • Gestational diabetes. Treatment consists of daily blood sugar monitoring, a healthy diet, exercise, and monitoring the baby; if blood sugar levels are too high, the doctor may prescribe medication.

Diabetes complications

Diabetes complications often share risk factors, and having one complication can worsen others. Many people with diabetes also have high blood pressure, which can worsen eye and kidney disease. Smoking doubles the risk of heart disease in people with diabetes.

Some of the serious reported complications include:

• • Heart disease and stroke. People with diabetes are more likely to experience these conditions.
• • Vision problems. Damage to the retina's blood vessels, cataracts, or glaucoma.
• • Kidney disease. High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys; without treatment, this can lead to kidney failure.
• • Nerve damage (neuropathy). Can cause numbness and pain, most often in the feet and legs.
• • Amputations. Damage to blood vessels and nerves, especially in the feet, can cause serious infections.
• • Others. Gum disease, and in the case of gestational diabetes, complications for mother or baby.

Complications often develop over time without obvious symptoms, which is why it's essential to keep medical and dental appointments, even when feeling well. Early treatment can help prevent or delay these conditions.

Diabetes prevention

Sustained healthy eating over time, together with physical activity, are part of the general recommendations to reduce risk, without replacing individual medical evaluation.

Dividing your plate is a simple strategy to help you make balanced food choices:

• • One half: non-starchy fruits and vegetables.
• • One quarter: whole grains.
• • One quarter: protein-rich foods, such as legumes, fish, or lean meats.

When to see your doctor

Routine screening for type 2 diabetes is recommended for all adults aged 45 and older, and in the following groups:

• • People under 45 who are overweight or obese and have other diabetes-related risk factors.
• • Women who have had gestational diabetes.
• • People diagnosed with prediabetes.
• • Children who are overweight or obese, and who have a family history of type 2 diabetes or other risk factors.

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