How much sugar can people with diabetes consume. What are the recommended daily limits for sugar intake. How do carbohydrates affect blood glucose levels. What is the role of insulin in diabetes management. How does sugar metabolism differ in various types of diabetes.

Understanding Sugar’s Role in Diabetes Management

Sugar often takes center stage in discussions about diabetes, but its role is frequently misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, individuals with diabetes can consume foods and beverages containing sugar. The key lies in moderation and understanding how sugar affects blood glucose levels.

To effectively manage diabetes, it’s crucial to grasp the relationship between sugar intake and blood glucose control. How does sugar impact blood glucose levels? When consumed, sugar rapidly enters the bloodstream, causing a spike in blood glucose. For people with diabetes, this spike can be more pronounced and potentially dangerous if not managed properly.

Debunking Sugar Myths in Diabetes

• Myth: People with diabetes can’t eat any sugar
• Fact: Sugar can be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet
• Myth: Only sugary foods affect blood glucose
• Fact: All carbohydrates, not just sugar, impact blood glucose levels
• Myth: Eating sugar causes diabetes
• Fact: Diabetes development is complex and not solely caused by sugar consumption

Recommended Sugar Intake Guidelines for Diabetes

Various health organizations provide guidelines for sugar consumption, but these recommendations can differ. How much sugar should people with diabetes consume daily? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, several reputable sources offer general guidelines:

• World Health Organization (WHO): 5-10% of daily calories from added sugars
• Dietary Guidelines for Americans: 10% of daily calories from added sugars
• American Heart Association: 6% of daily calories from added sugars

For a 2,000-calorie diet, these guidelines translate to approximately:

• WHO and Dietary Guidelines: 12 teaspoons (50 grams) per day
• American Heart Association: 7.5 teaspoons (31 grams) per day

It’s important to note that these are general recommendations. Individual needs may vary based on factors such as diabetes type, medication regimen, and overall health status.

Practical Tips for Reducing Sugar Intake

1. Read nutrition labels carefully
2. Choose whole foods over processed options
3. Opt for unsweetened beverages
4. Use sugar substitutes in moderation
5. Gradually reduce sugar in recipes

The Importance of Carbohydrate Counting in Diabetes Management

While monitoring sugar intake is crucial, it’s equally important to consider overall carbohydrate consumption. Why are carbohydrates significant in diabetes management? Carbohydrates, including both simple and complex forms, break down into glucose during digestion, directly impacting blood sugar levels.

The American Diabetes Association doesn’t prescribe a specific daily carbohydrate limit, recognizing that needs vary among individuals. However, the average American diet contains about 250 grams of carbs per day, which is generally too high for most people with diabetes.

Carbohydrate Counting Basics

• One carb serving typically contains 15 grams of carbohydrates
• Carb servings may not align with standard food serving sizes
• Accurate portion estimation is crucial for effective carb counting
• Consulting with a registered dietitian can help develop a personalized carb counting plan

Individualized Approach to Sugar and Carbohydrate Management

Managing sugar and carbohydrate intake for diabetes requires a personalized approach. How can individuals with diabetes determine their optimal sugar and carb intake? Factors to consider include:

• Weight and body composition
• Activity level
• Nutritional needs
• Individual blood glucose responses
• Type of diabetes
• Medication regimen

Collaborating with a diabetes care team, including an endocrinologist and registered dietitian, is essential for developing an individualized plan that balances blood glucose control with overall health and quality of life.

The Role of Glucose in Body Function

Despite its reputation in diabetes management, glucose plays a vital role in the body’s functioning. How does glucose contribute to overall health? According to the National Institutes of Health, glucose serves as a crucial fuel source for both the body and brain.

Carbohydrates are the primary source of glucose in the diet. During digestion, carbohydrates break down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. The speed at which this process occurs depends on the type of carbohydrate consumed:

• Simple carbohydrates (e.g., candy, fruit) break down quickly, causing rapid glucose release
• Complex carbohydrates (e.g., whole grains, legumes) break down more slowly, providing a sustained glucose release

Glucose Metabolism in Non-Diabetic Individuals

In people without diabetes, the pancreas responds to increased blood glucose levels by releasing insulin. This hormone facilitates the movement of glucose from the bloodstream into cells, where it’s used for energy or stored for later use.

Understanding Different Types of Diabetes and Their Impact on Sugar Metabolism

Diabetes affects the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose levels, but the underlying mechanisms differ among various types of diabetes. How do different types of diabetes impact sugar metabolism?

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition characterized by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin. How does this affect glucose regulation?

• The pancreas produces little to no insulin
• Glucose cannot enter cells without insulin
• Blood glucose levels rise, potentially leading to hyperglycemia
• Exogenous insulin administration is necessary for survival and glucose regulation

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)

Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, involves insulin resistance and potential decreased insulin production. What are the key features of glucose metabolism in T2D?

• Cells become less responsive to insulin (insulin resistance)
• The pancreas may produce insufficient insulin to overcome resistance
• Blood glucose levels rise due to impaired glucose uptake by cells
• Management may involve lifestyle changes, oral medications, and/or insulin therapy

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth. How does it affect glucose regulation?

• Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to insulin resistance
• The pancreas may not produce enough insulin to overcome this resistance
• Blood glucose levels rise, potentially affecting both mother and fetus
• Management often involves dietary changes, exercise, and sometimes insulin therapy

Strategies for Effective Blood Glucose Management in Diabetes

Managing blood glucose levels is crucial for preventing complications associated with diabetes. What strategies can individuals with diabetes employ to maintain optimal blood glucose control?

Dietary Approaches

• Balanced meal planning
• Carbohydrate counting
• Glycemic index awareness
• Portion control
• Consistent meal timing

Physical Activity

Regular exercise plays a vital role in blood glucose management. How does physical activity impact glucose levels?

• Improves insulin sensitivity
• Enhances glucose uptake by muscles
• Helps maintain a healthy weight
• Reduces cardiovascular risk factors

Medication Management

Depending on the type and severity of diabetes, medication may be necessary for blood glucose control. What are some common medication strategies?

• Insulin therapy (injections, pumps, or inhalation devices)
• Oral glucose-lowering medications
• Injectable non-insulin medications (e.g., GLP-1 receptor agonists)

Blood Glucose Monitoring

Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential for effective diabetes management. What monitoring methods are available?

• Traditional fingerstick blood glucose meters
• Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems
• Flash glucose monitoring devices

Long-Term Complications of Diabetes and the Importance of Glucose Control

Maintaining proper blood glucose control is crucial for preventing long-term complications associated with diabetes. What are the potential consequences of prolonged high blood glucose levels?

Cardiovascular Complications

• Increased risk of heart disease
• Higher likelihood of stroke
• Development of peripheral artery disease

Microvascular Complications

• Diabetic retinopathy (eye damage)
• Diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage)
• Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)

Other Potential Complications

• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Slow wound healing
• Cognitive impairment and increased risk of dementia

By maintaining proper blood glucose control through a combination of dietary management, physical activity, medication adherence, and regular monitoring, individuals with diabetes can significantly reduce their risk of developing these complications and improve their overall quality of life.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Diabetes Management

The field of diabetes management is continually evolving, with new research and technologies emerging to improve the lives of those affected by the condition. What are some promising areas of research in diabetes care?

Artificial Pancreas Systems

Advancements in closed-loop insulin delivery systems, also known as artificial pancreas systems, are showing promise in automating blood glucose management. How do these systems work?

• Integrate continuous glucose monitoring with insulin pump technology
• Use algorithms to adjust insulin delivery in real-time
• Aim to mimic the function of a healthy pancreas

Novel Medications

Researchers are exploring new classes of medications to improve glucose control and address other aspects of diabetes. What are some emerging treatment options?

• Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonists
• SGLT-1 and SGLT-2 inhibitors
• Glucagon receptor antagonists

Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine

Cutting-edge research is exploring ways to restore or replace insulin-producing cells. What approaches are being investigated?

• Gene editing techniques to create insulin-producing cells
• Stem cell therapies to regenerate pancreatic beta cells
• Immunomodulation strategies to prevent autoimmune attack in Type 1 diabetes

Personalized Medicine Approaches

The future of diabetes management may involve more tailored treatment plans based on individual characteristics. How might personalized medicine impact diabetes care?

• Genetic profiling to predict treatment response
• Microbiome analysis to inform dietary recommendations
• Precision medicine approaches to medication selection

As research in these areas progresses, individuals with diabetes can look forward to more effective, less burdensome management strategies that may significantly improve their quality of life and long-term health outcomes.

The Importance of Support and Education in Diabetes Management

Managing diabetes effectively requires more than just medical interventions; it also involves ongoing education and support. Why are these elements crucial for successful diabetes management?

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES)

DSMES programs provide valuable resources for individuals with diabetes. What benefits do these programs offer?

• Improved understanding of diabetes and its management
• Enhanced problem-solving skills for daily diabetes care
• Increased confidence in self-management
• Better health outcomes and quality of life

Psychological Support

Living with diabetes can have significant psychological impacts. How can addressing mental health improve diabetes management?

• Reduced diabetes distress and burnout
• Improved adherence to treatment plans
• Enhanced coping strategies for diabetes-related challenges
• Better overall mental well-being

Peer Support and Community Resources

Connecting with others who have diabetes can provide valuable support and insights. What are some ways to engage with the diabetes community?

• Support groups (in-person or online)
• Diabetes camps and retreats
• Peer mentoring programs
• Community health initiatives focused on diabetes

By leveraging these support systems and educational resources, individuals with diabetes can develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to effectively manage their condition and lead fulfilling lives. As research continues to advance our understanding of diabetes and its management, the integration of medical care with comprehensive support and education will remain crucial for optimizing outcomes and improving the lives of those affected by this complex condition.

How Much Sugar Is Allowed for People with Diabetes?

Sugar is often portrayed as a villain or main culprit when the topic of diabetes comes up.

While sugar does play an important role in the context of this condition, several misconceptions exist about people with diabetes being able to consume sugar.

People with diabetes can eat food and drink beverages that contain sugar. But just like everything, moderation is key.

This article will give you more information about the role that sugar plays in diabetes and glucose management, and how to approach it in appropriate and balanced ways.

Clinical guidelines or recommendations about anything, including sugar consumption by people with diabetes, are just that: guidelines. They are meant to guide many people to stay as healthy as possible.

Expert opinions differ on how much sugar is recommended each day.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that only 5 to 10% of your calories be from added sugars, or “free sugars. ”
• In the United States, that recommendation is the same, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. That translates to 12 teaspoons per day when following a 2,000-calorie diet.
• However, the American Heart Association advises limiting sugar to 6% of total calories per day. That means a limit of 7.5 teaspoons per day for a 2,000-calorie diet.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentions that the average intake of added sugars was 17 teaspoons per day — or 19 teaspoons for men and 15 teaspoons for women — for Americans ages 20 and over in 2018.

If you’re used to eating a lot of sugar, you may want to reduce your intake to help manage blood glucose levels and keep them in target range.

Carbohydrates count, too

Calories and sugar are not the only things that matter when looking at a nutrition label. Carbohydrates are just as important for people with diabetes.

It’s important to keep in mind that carbs break down into sugars. So just because you see “no sugar” on a nutrition label, that doesn’t mean it’s free of any blood sugar effect. Carbs impact glucose levels just like forms of sugar do.

The American Diabetes Association does not recommend a specific daily carb limit for people with diabetes because it’s so individualized. However, the average American diet contains about 250 grams of carbs per day, and that’s too high for most people with diabetes.

If you decide to try carb counting, you’ll need to know the total grams of carbs in the foods or drinks you’re planning to consume and have a reasonably accurate estimation of the serving size.

One carb serving contains about 15 grams. However, a carb serving might not match what you’d normally consider a serving of food, so you’ll need to carefully balance carb servings and serving sizes.

You can learn more about carb counting here.

Was this helpful?

Of course, everyone is different. Your weight, activity level, nutritional needs, and your body’s reaction to factors that affect your blood sugar levels will differ from those of another person with diabetes.

You and your diabetes care team should discuss your situation, including your history of managing your blood sugar levels, to determine how much sugar you can eat in a typical day. This can vary, too, depending on what type of diabetes you have and any medications you take.

Some people may worry that eating sugar will lead to diabetes, but diabetes is much more complex. Plus, your body does need some sugar to function. According to the National Institutes of Health, one type of sugar called glucose is an important source of fuel for your body and your brain.

The sugar in your body comes, in part, from carbohydrates. After you eat, your body breaks down the food you eat as you’re digesting, which sends glucose into your bloodstream.

Simple carbohydrates like candy or fruit break down quickly, sending a quick burst of sugar into your bloodstream. More complex carbohydrates like pasta break down more slowly and deliver a steadier dose of sugar over time.

If you don’t have diabetes, your pancreas will respond to the influx of sugar by releasing a hormone called insulin, which works to move that sugar out of your blood and into your cells to use as fuel.

However, if you have diabetes, your pancreas may not respond by producing enough (or any, in some cases) insulin to do the job. The sugar can build up in your bloodstream, which can eventually damage your blood vessels and cause other complications.

Different types of diabetes

Here’s what to know about each of the main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes (T1D): This autoimmune condition is when your pancreas is no longer able to produce any or enough insulin to help you naturally regulate your blood sugar (glucose) levels. You must take insulin (injection, insulin pump, inhaled) so your body can move the glucose into your cells from the bloodstream for energy. Roughly 5% to 10% of people with diabetes have this type.
• Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA): Sometimes known as type 1.5 diabetes, this is another name for type 1 diabetes diagnosed in adults.
• Type 2 diabetes (T2D): Those with T2D have developed a resistance to insulin, so it doesn’t work efficiently to move sugar from the bloodstream into your cells. Over time, your pancreas may also stop producing insulin. While many people use lifestyle measures (diet, exercise) to manage their T2D and keep blood sugars steady, many also take medications (like insulin or metformin) to manage their condition. T2D is the most common form, with roughly 90% of people with diabetes living with this type.
• Gestational diabetes: Some people develop diabetes during pregnancy, which often requires them to take insulin until delivery.

Was this helpful?

It’s a common misconception that people with diabetes need to give up sugar and go sugar-free for the rest of their lives.

In other words, yes, people with diabetes actually can still eat sugar. They can eat foods with added sugars and also other foods containing carbohydrates that get broken down into sugar inside the body.

People with diabetes need to be careful about how much sugar they consume. The key word is “moderation,” according to the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.

Addressing diabetes stigma

No one chooses to have diabetes — regardless of the type. Food choices and lifestyle habits can play a part in developing type 2 diabetes, but science is also clear that genetics play a part in the development of this condition.

The most common diabetes stigma is the perception that people with diabetes are responsible for developing diabetes. Eating too much sugar does not directly cause diabetes.

Stigmatizing people by mentioning they are “eating too much sugar” or taking other actions to cause their diabetes can be damaging to that person’s mental health. A 2020 study shows a link between stigma to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and distress.

You can consider joining the American Diabetes Association’s online support community or visit diaTribe’s dStigmatize page for more information and resources.

Was this helpful?

Limiting sugar content overall is a smart choice. A few commonly recommended strategies include:

• Try eating smaller portions to reduce your daily calorie count.
• Eat a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, grains, and low fat dairy, to get the most nutritional bang for your buck.
• Choose foods with lower amounts of fat.
• Watch out for highly processed foods, which may contain a lot of added sugars.
• Limit sugar-sweetened beverages. Instead, try substituting with a lower sugar option or choosing water more often.

You can also learn how to count carbohydrates. Many people with diabetes count carbs to help them keep track of what they’re eating so they can manage their blood sugar levels better.

According to the CDC, if you are overweight, you may help reverse prediabetes and delay or prevent type 2 diabetes by shedding 5% to 7% of your body weight. As this is not the only way to prevent type 2 diabetes and it may not be necessary for everyone, it’s best to speak with your doctor first.

If you have diabetes, you don’t have to resign yourself to a life without sugar. But you do need to be mindful of how much sugar you consume and how it affects your ability to control your glucose levels.

This includes not only sugary sweets but beverages and anything with carbohydrates, as those convert into sugar in your body. Your diabetes care team can help you design a plan that helps you achieve a healthy balance.

How Much Sugar Is Allowed for People with Diabetes?

Sugar is often portrayed as a villain or main culprit when the topic of diabetes comes up.

While sugar does play an important role in the context of this condition, several misconceptions exist about people with diabetes being able to consume sugar.

People with diabetes can eat food and drink beverages that contain sugar. But just like everything, moderation is key.

This article will give you more information about the role that sugar plays in diabetes and glucose management, and how to approach it in appropriate and balanced ways.

Clinical guidelines or recommendations about anything, including sugar consumption by people with diabetes, are just that: guidelines. They are meant to guide many people to stay as healthy as possible.

Expert opinions differ on how much sugar is recommended each day.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that only 5 to 10% of your calories be from added sugars, or “free sugars.”
• In the United States, that recommendation is the same, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. That translates to 12 teaspoons per day when following a 2,000-calorie diet.
• However, the American Heart Association advises limiting sugar to 6% of total calories per day. That means a limit of 7.5 teaspoons per day for a 2,000-calorie diet.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentions that the average intake of added sugars was 17 teaspoons per day — or 19 teaspoons for men and 15 teaspoons for women — for Americans ages 20 and over in 2018.

If you’re used to eating a lot of sugar, you may want to reduce your intake to help manage blood glucose levels and keep them in target range.

Carbohydrates count, too

Calories and sugar are not the only things that matter when looking at a nutrition label. Carbohydrates are just as important for people with diabetes.

It’s important to keep in mind that carbs break down into sugars. So just because you see “no sugar” on a nutrition label, that doesn’t mean it’s free of any blood sugar effect. Carbs impact glucose levels just like forms of sugar do.

The American Diabetes Association does not recommend a specific daily carb limit for people with diabetes because it’s so individualized. However, the average American diet contains about 250 grams of carbs per day, and that’s too high for most people with diabetes.

If you decide to try carb counting, you’ll need to know the total grams of carbs in the foods or drinks you’re planning to consume and have a reasonably accurate estimation of the serving size.

One carb serving contains about 15 grams. However, a carb serving might not match what you’d normally consider a serving of food, so you’ll need to carefully balance carb servings and serving sizes.

You can learn more about carb counting here.

Was this helpful?

Of course, everyone is different. Your weight, activity level, nutritional needs, and your body’s reaction to factors that affect your blood sugar levels will differ from those of another person with diabetes.

You and your diabetes care team should discuss your situation, including your history of managing your blood sugar levels, to determine how much sugar you can eat in a typical day. This can vary, too, depending on what type of diabetes you have and any medications you take.

Some people may worry that eating sugar will lead to diabetes, but diabetes is much more complex. Plus, your body does need some sugar to function. According to the National Institutes of Health, one type of sugar called glucose is an important source of fuel for your body and your brain.

The sugar in your body comes, in part, from carbohydrates. After you eat, your body breaks down the food you eat as you’re digesting, which sends glucose into your bloodstream.

Simple carbohydrates like candy or fruit break down quickly, sending a quick burst of sugar into your bloodstream. More complex carbohydrates like pasta break down more slowly and deliver a steadier dose of sugar over time.

If you don’t have diabetes, your pancreas will respond to the influx of sugar by releasing a hormone called insulin, which works to move that sugar out of your blood and into your cells to use as fuel.

However, if you have diabetes, your pancreas may not respond by producing enough (or any, in some cases) insulin to do the job. The sugar can build up in your bloodstream, which can eventually damage your blood vessels and cause other complications.

Different types of diabetes

Here’s what to know about each of the main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes (T1D): This autoimmune condition is when your pancreas is no longer able to produce any or enough insulin to help you naturally regulate your blood sugar (glucose) levels. You must take insulin (injection, insulin pump, inhaled) so your body can move the glucose into your cells from the bloodstream for energy. Roughly 5% to 10% of people with diabetes have this type.
• Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA): Sometimes known as type 1.5 diabetes, this is another name for type 1 diabetes diagnosed in adults.
• Type 2 diabetes (T2D): Those with T2D have developed a resistance to insulin, so it doesn’t work efficiently to move sugar from the bloodstream into your cells. Over time, your pancreas may also stop producing insulin. While many people use lifestyle measures (diet, exercise) to manage their T2D and keep blood sugars steady, many also take medications (like insulin or metformin) to manage their condition. T2D is the most common form, with roughly 90% of people with diabetes living with this type.
• Gestational diabetes: Some people develop diabetes during pregnancy, which often requires them to take insulin until delivery.

Was this helpful?

It’s a common misconception that people with diabetes need to give up sugar and go sugar-free for the rest of their lives.

In other words, yes, people with diabetes actually can still eat sugar. They can eat foods with added sugars and also other foods containing carbohydrates that get broken down into sugar inside the body.

People with diabetes need to be careful about how much sugar they consume. The key word is “moderation,” according to the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.

Addressing diabetes stigma

No one chooses to have diabetes — regardless of the type. Food choices and lifestyle habits can play a part in developing type 2 diabetes, but science is also clear that genetics play a part in the development of this condition.

The most common diabetes stigma is the perception that people with diabetes are responsible for developing diabetes. Eating too much sugar does not directly cause diabetes.

Stigmatizing people by mentioning they are “eating too much sugar” or taking other actions to cause their diabetes can be damaging to that person’s mental health. A 2020 study shows a link between stigma to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and distress.

You can consider joining the American Diabetes Association’s online support community or visit diaTribe’s dStigmatize page for more information and resources.

Was this helpful?

Limiting sugar content overall is a smart choice. A few commonly recommended strategies include:

• Try eating smaller portions to reduce your daily calorie count.
• Eat a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, grains, and low fat dairy, to get the most nutritional bang for your buck.
• Choose foods with lower amounts of fat.
• Watch out for highly processed foods, which may contain a lot of added sugars.
• Limit sugar-sweetened beverages. Instead, try substituting with a lower sugar option or choosing water more often.

You can also learn how to count carbohydrates. Many people with diabetes count carbs to help them keep track of what they’re eating so they can manage their blood sugar levels better.

According to the CDC, if you are overweight, you may help reverse prediabetes and delay or prevent type 2 diabetes by shedding 5% to 7% of your body weight. As this is not the only way to prevent type 2 diabetes and it may not be necessary for everyone, it’s best to speak with your doctor first.

If you have diabetes, you don’t have to resign yourself to a life without sugar. But you do need to be mindful of how much sugar you consume and how it affects your ability to control your glucose levels.

This includes not only sugary sweets but beverages and anything with carbohydrates, as those convert into sugar in your body. Your diabetes care team can help you design a plan that helps you achieve a healthy balance.

Fomin Clinic — a network of multidisciplinary clinics

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a disease that occurs during pregnancy in women who did not have diabetes before.

Outside of pregnancy, blood glucose levels up to and including 6.0 mmol/L are considered normal. But pregnant women are different. The level of sugar becomes lower, due to the costs of the developing fetus, a decrease in the formation of glucose in the liver and other processes. Therefore, the value of glucose in a pregnant woman on an empty stomach of 5.1 mmol / l and higher (but up to 7.0 mmol / l), even with a single determination, indicates gestational diabetes mellitus.

Above 7.0 mmol/l is manifest diabetes, which requires immediate contact with an endocrinologist and the start of insulin therapy. Often this means that diabetes was before pregnancy, but was not detected.

Gestational diabetes is dangerous because it can cause a number of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, namely: stillbirth, miscarriage, high risk of obesity and the development of diabetes later.

For a woman, this condition is also unsafe: the risks of preeclampsia, the need for a caesarean section and the development of diabetes mellitus after childbirth increase.

Fortunately, all these consequences can be avoided if you consult a doctor and start treatment.

Gestational diabetes is usually asymptomatic, but can sometimes present with excessive fatigue, constant thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision. All this can be attributed to stress and weather. Therefore, it is possible to accurately diagnose with the help of tests.

After the 6th week of pregnancy, blood glucose is tested from a vein. Normally, the result is up to 5.0 mmol / l inclusive. An increase in sugar to 5.1 mmol / l or more requires intervention – a consultation with an endocrinologist who will talk about the need to change diet, lifestyle, regular self-monitoring of blood sugar, in some cases, insulin treatment is prescribed.

At 24-28 weeks, all pregnant women with normal blood glucose are given an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to detect underlying disorders. OGTT is included in the list of examinations that are carried out as part of the MHI.

You can reduce your risk of gestational diabetes by making lifestyle changes. To do this, you need:

• have a BMI less than 25,

• switch to a healthy diet,

• 150 minutes a week of physical activity,

• give up chickens eniya.

Our endocrinologists act within the framework of clinical recommendations, Russian and international, and do not prescribe unnecessary tests and drugs. In addition, working together with obstetrician-gynecologists, they help women prepare for pregnancy, IVF and, if necessary, advise expectant mothers.

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“Dangerous sugar”: why millions of Russians are diagnosed with diabetes | Articles

November 14 is World Diabetes Day. Today, more than 537 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes, in Russia – more than 5 million . What is the danger of this disease, can it be cured and what methods of prevention exist, Izvestia found out.

What is diabetes

November 14 is considered World Diabetes Day, which has been held under the auspices of the UN since 2006. According to the International Diabetes Federation, in 2021, the number of diabetic patients in the world reached 537 million people.

In Russia, according to the statistics of the Ministry of Health, more than 5 million people with diabetes live. According to a study by the Federal Scientific and Practical Center of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, conducted in 2020, diabetes mellitus is among the top 10 chronic diseases most common among Russians.

In 2021 alone, the therapeutic department of the center admitted 250 patients with type 2 diabetes (DB 2, non-insulin dependent), which develops against the background of overweight and insufficient physical activity. Type 1 diabetes (DB 1, insulin-dependent) is less common – 20 patients with this form of the disease are observed in the medical center.

Photo: RIA Novosti/Pavel Lisitsyn

– Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that develops due to insufficient production of the hormone insulin (DB 1) or ineffective use of it (DB 2), which significantly increases blood sugar levels, – an endocrinologist of the Federal Scientific and Practical Center explains to Izvestia FMBA of Russia Natalia Efremova. – Discomfort and fatigue, which are characteristic of diabetes, a person can attribute to chronic stress and overwork. But still, there are signs that clearly indicate the onset of diabetes: sudden weight loss, constant thirst, frequent urination, “sand in the eyes”, cramps in the calf muscles.

According to the doctor, people over 40 years of age who are overweight, as well as those who have close relatives (parents, brothers, sisters) are at risk for diabetes. Such patients must be sure to undergo an annual examination by an endocrinologist, donate blood to determine the level of sugar, and also review their diet in favor of healthy food.

Diagnosis and treatment

In order to diagnose diabetes mellitus, a person needs to conduct a series of studies. Among them – blood test for glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, C-peptide and insulin, as well as a urine test for the presence of glucose and ketone bodies , says Neya Georgieva, therapist, senior medical consultant at Teledoctor24.

The most important clinical symptom indicating diabetes is an increase in blood glucose (greater than 6.5 mmol/l).

— Treatment of diabetes depends on its type, says the doctor. — Patients with type 1 (DM 1) should receive insulin. It can be of different types: short, medium and ultra-short action, selected by the doctor individually for each patient. In type 2 diabetes, mainly hypoglycemic agents are prescribed, and insulin is prescribed only when drug therapy is ineffective.

Photo: RIA Novosti/Vitaly Timkiv

Every person with diabetes should be seen by an endocrinologist. He needs to monitor his glucose levels daily, take his medications on time, and follow a healthy diet.

– Also, do not forget that diabetes is complicated by the development of multiple organ disorders – increased permeability and fragility of the vascular wall, diabetic polyneuropathy (damage to peripheral nerves), diabetic retinopathy (destruction of the retina), nephropathy (damage to kidney vessels) and trophic ulcers (due to for reduced tissue regeneration). In order to prevent this, therapy must be continuous, notes Neya Georgieva.

Nutrition and restrictions in diabetes

There is a myth that a person can get diabetes if they eat a lot of sweets. However, this is not at all the case , notes Natalia Efremova, an endocrinologist at the Federal Scientific and Practical Center of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia.

“Type 2 diabetes is caused by hereditary predisposition or weight gain, while type 1 diabetes is caused by damage to the cells that produce insulin,” explains the doctor.

In type 2 diabetes, the patient should exclude refined carbohydrates (sweets, flour products, honey) and dried fruits from the diet, and in type 1, you can eat all foods, but it is important to count the amount of carbohydrates consumed in your diet.

Photo: RIA Novosti/Mikhail Voskresensky

— If you have diabetes, it is advisable to eat three times a day at the same time and avoid fatty and high-calorie foods. It is important to eat a lot of fiber, which is found in nuts and vegetables, and fish can be a good alternative to meat , – ​​notes the endocrinologist.

According to her, for people suffering from diabetes, even the slightest damage to the skin is dangerous: due to the high concentration of glucose in the blood, wounds heal very slowly, and with long healing, bacteria can get into them, which can force doctors in severe cases amputate the affected limbs in the event of non-healing ulcers.

Is it possible to cure diabetes

According to doctors, diabetes cannot be completely cured. The currently developed therapy can only slow down the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of complications. One of the main treatments for diabetes is the use of insulin preparations. Insulin is administered subcutaneously, is rapidly absorbed into the blood, thereby causing a sharp decrease in glucose.

“Diabetes remains an incurable disease, but today there are many means to control it,” says Natalia Efremova. – A person diagnosed with diabetes can live a long, happy and fulfilling life if he pays due attention to his health.

According to her, diabetic patients should adhere to the principles of proper balanced nutrition, lead a healthy lifestyle and be observed by a doctor. In addition, it is important for such people to control their emotions – stress contributes to an increase in blood sugar levels.

Photo: RIA Novosti / Artur Lebedev

There are also methods of preventing diabetes, which are especially useful for people who have a hereditary predisposition to it. Maria Abakumova, an endocrinologist of the Polyclinika.ru network of medical centers, refers to them the restriction of fast carbohydrates, physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight, proper nutrition and minimizing stress. Also, to prevent the development of diabetes, the doctor recommends taking vitamin D.

Diabetes and coronavirus

According to the head of the Ministry of Health Mikhail Murashko, diabetes is the most dangerous of all chronic diseases associated with coronavirus. In the event that a patient with diabetes becomes infected with covid, regardless of the severity of the symptoms, he needs to call a doctor at home for a health assessment.

— Patients with complications of diabetes tolerate the coronavirus more severely, they have a high percentage of lung tissue damage, and, of course, they should be immediately hospitalized, says Neya Georgieva.

Throughout the illness, the person should carefully monitor their glucose levels and keep a self-monitoring diary, drink plenty of fluids, try to avoid taking diuretic drugs.