More than 37 million adults live together with diabetes in the United States, a chronic condition that until now scientists have not found a treatment for. It is a condition that affects the eyes with loss of vision, heart, nerves, feet, and kidneys.
It is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States because it damages the vital organs of the body, diabetes is the leading cause of bladder insufficiency amputation and blindness in adults.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in the last two decades, the number of patients with diabetes has doubled; currently, 11.3% of American adults have this pathology.
How it is made
One reason is the high consumption of carbonated drinks and foods high in sugar, such as products made with white flour, processed and packaged foods, and fried foods, which contribute to a bad eating pattern among Americans.
Diabetes occurs when blood glucose (sugar) levels are high. This glucose is obtained from foods that are part of the regular diet. The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, and diabetes develops when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use the insulin it produces properly.
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF), the largest organization in the United States dedicated to the prevention and care of patients with kidney failure, explains that if diabetes is not well controlled, blood sugar levels increase. This process is called “hyperglycemia.”
“High blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the body. Think about what happens to sugar if it is left in an uncovered container overnight. It will stick. Now think about how sugar “sticks” to the small arteries and makes it difficult for the blood to reach the organs,” said a note from the Foundation.
Why is diabetes dangerous?
One of the organs most affected by diabetes is the kidney, which leads to other diseases.
the DISEASES Kidney disease is a serious condition, even without diabetes. Heart health problems are common in people with kidney disease. In fact, most people with that diagnosis die not because of kidney failure but because of heart disease.
The kidneys help control blood pressure. But the NFK explained that once they are damaged, they may no longer be able to perform that function. High blood pressure can cause heart failure, heart attack, and stroke.
The disease is increasing
According to the CDC, 96 million Americans are prediabetic, meaning 1 in 3 have it. Prediabetes is when the level of sugar in the blood is higher than normal, but has not yet reached a level sufficient to diagnose the disease.
People who are overweight and do not do any kind of physical activity are potential candidates to suffer from it. The risks are increased if there are people with a diagnosis of diabetes in the family.
Sadly so far no cure has been found. However, there are new technologies and drugs in development that can help patients live a full life.
A person with diabetes can be active and stay healthy. Losing weight, eating healthy foods, being active, going to doctor’s appointments, and taking medicine can help prevent the disease.
