2023-10-28 05:05:00
Title: Diabetes: Widespread Disease in Germany Often Goes Undetected
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel and Anne Tessin
October 28, 2023, 5:05 a.m
Frankfurt – Diabetes mellitus, especially type 2, affects over 95 percent of patients in Germany, making it a widespread disease. However, diabetes often remains undetected for years, leading to severe complications. According to the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), approximately 560,000 people are diagnosed with diabetes in Germany annually, with an estimated seven to eight million people currently suffering from the disease.
Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which insulin plays a central role. If left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage to the eyes, kidneys, and nervous system. Amputations, particularly in the case of diabetes foot syndrome, are common. Additionally, diabetics face a three times higher risk of heart attacks or strokes compared to non-diabetics. Furthermore, life expectancy for people with diabetes is reduced.
Type 2 diabetes often develops without clear symptoms, making it challenging to detect. However, certain factors increase the risk of developing the disease. Type 1 diabetes is typically a genetically determined autoimmune disease, while type 2 is often associated with an unhealthy lifestyle characterized by an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, stress, regular alcohol consumption, and smoking. These risk factors also have the potential to lead to other diseases, including tumor diseases and carcinomas such as colon and stomach cancer.
To detect diabetes, a blood glucose meter can be used to measure blood sugar levels. However, there are symptoms that individuals should be aware of. The first symptom is intense thirst, as elevated blood sugar levels cause the kidney to bind water, resulting in increased fluid intake and a feeling of intense thirst. Another symptom is a strong urge to urinate, especially at night, which occurs when the blood sugar level exceeds the kidneys’ capacity to filter out excess sugar. Frequent bladder infections, particularly in women, may also indicate diabetes as the excess blood sugar provides nutrients for bacteria.
Muscle cramps, especially in the calves or feet, are another potential symptom of diabetes, indicating a disruption in mineral balance due to fluid loss. Severe and persistent fatigue is also an early indicator of diabetes, as excess sugar affects metabolism and energy intake. Blurred vision and a general deterioration in vision, especially with fluctuating visual acuity throughout the day, may also suggest previously unrecognized diabetes mellitus. Dry and sensitive skin, particularly on the feet, is a common symptom due to impaired nerve function and disrupted blood circulation. Dizziness attacks, difficulty maintaining a steady gait, and rapidly changing periods of hunger and loss of appetite are other signs associated with diabetes.
Individuals experiencing any of these symptoms should consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. It is important to note that this article provides general information and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.]
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