Healthy habits and proper treatment are important for diabetes control
SUS offers free treatment for the disease that was remembered on the last 14th, World Diabetes Day.
Nov 21, Sao Paulo: Considered a silent disease because, for the most part, it does not manifest symptoms or cause discomfort in the patient, diabetes was among the top five causes of death in Brazil in 2018. Therefore, prevention, early diagnosis and correct treatment are key parts in controlling the disease.
The Unified Health System (SUS) offers diagnosis, monitoring and complete treatment for diabetes, including insulin distribution when necessary. The care provided by Primary Health Care can prevent hospitalizations and complications related to the disease. The family health teams do multidisciplinary monitoring.
Also, read- Majority of patients with hypertension and diabetes undergo health care in SUS
“In 2020, the resources invested in maintaining the Family Health teams in health promotion actions, including health academy, health program at school and actions for food and health, to date total more than R $ 14 billion ”, Explains the secretary of Primary Health Care, of the Ministry of Health, Raphael Parente.
“In addition to this amount, this year, the ministry allocated another R $ 221 million through an ordinance that instituted, on an exceptional and temporary basis, in the context of Covid-19, a federal financial incentive to care for people with obesity, diabetes and also arterial hypertension ”, stresses the secretary.
Diabetes is caused by insufficient production or resistance to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood glucose and provides energy for the body. According to the Ministry of Health, in Brazil, it is estimated that 9 million people who access Primary Care have diabetes, 35% of whom are registered in health units.
In 2019, 11 million consultations were made for people with this disease. In the same year, the number of hospitalizations for diabetes was 136 thousand, generating a cost of R $ 98 million reais.
After being diagnosed with diabetes, Sebastiana Costa Santos, 78, changed her eating habits and started treatment at SUS. She said that seeing the doctor was essential to control the disease. “I think the treatment is very good. I advise you to always look for a doctor to treat yourself and look very carefully, be sure to go to the doctor to measure your blood glucose, eat well, exercise and have permanent exams because of your blood glucose, ”he reported.
Also, read- Majority of patients with hypertension and diabetes undergo health care in SUS
The last day 14 was World Diabetes Day when the dangers of the disease are remembered and care is taken to avoid it.
Prevention
The best way to prevent it is to practise physical activities regularly, maintain a healthy diet by consuming fruits and vegetables and reducing salt, sugar and fats. It is also important to keep your weight under control, avoid drinking alcohol and not smoking. People with a family history of diabetes should redouble their care.
Risk factors
In addition to genetic factors and the absence of healthy habits, other factors can contribute to the development of diabetes such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or changes in the rate of triglycerides in the blood, overweight especially if the fat is concentrated around the waist and diseases chronic renal failure.
Types of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes: chronic inherited disease. About 90% of diabetic patients in Brazil have this type. It usually appears in childhood or adolescence, but can also be diagnosed in adults. Treatment requires the daily use of insulin to control blood glucose.
Type 2 diabetes: occurs when the body does not properly use the insulin produced. The cause is related to factors such as family history, age over 45, overweight, physical inactivity and hypertension.
Pre-diabetes: it is a warning signal from the body when blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet so high to characterize the disease. Changing eating habits and exercising are the main success factors for control.
Gestational diabetes: occurs temporarily during pregnancy. Blood sugar levels are above normal, but still below the level to be classified as type 2 diabetes.
Also, read- Majority of patients with hypertension and diabetes undergo health care in SUS
Symptoms
Hunger and excessive thirst and the urge to urinate several times a day are the main symptoms. But, depending on the type, there are no specific signs.
Type 1 diabetes can cause weight loss, weakness, mood swings, nausea and vomiting. Type 2 brings symptoms such as delayed wound healing, blurred vision and tingling of the feet and hands.
Complications
Each type of diabetes requires differentiated care. When not treated correctly, the disease can progress to more severe forms and present several complications. Among them, arterial problems and amputations, kidney disease, wounds on the feet that are difficult to heal, blindness and more chance of developing eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma.
Also, read- Majority of patients with hypertension and diabetes undergo health care in SUS
In addition, there may be reduced sensitivity due to the damage that the lack of glucose control causes to the nerves. These two conditions make it easier to suffer from ulcers and infections, which can lead to amputation. Most amputations are preventable with regular care and proper footwear.
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