Introduction: Relevant data statistics show that the number of diabetes patients in China has surpassed the rest of the world, with approximately 12.82% of Chinese adults suffering from diabetes.
The total number has reached around 130 million, with approximately 70.4 million male diabetes patients and around 59.45 million female diabetes patients. Moreover, clinical statistics show that around 8.36 million people in China die each year due to diabetes complications.
01
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is mainly a metabolic problem characterized by elevated blood sugar levels due to insulin secretion and/or action defects. The typical symptoms of diabetes are the “three more, one less” (polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, weight loss). Patients with typical symptoms of diabetes and meeting any of the following conditions may be diagnosed with diabetes:
02
Why is diabetes so prevalent?
Genetic Factors
Many diseases are influenced by genetic factors, and diabetes is no exception. Diabetes is a polygenic, dominant hereditary problem. If there are cases of diabetes in the family, the individual’s risk of developing the disease increases accordingly.
Unhealthy Lifestyle
Preferring high-sugar and high-fat foods, smoking, drinking alcohol, lack of exercise, staying up late, inadequate sleep, and high stress levels can all increase the risk of diabetes or high blood sugar.
Improved Standard of Living
In the past, diets mainly consisted of coarse grains, but with the improving quality of life, there is a trend towards more meat consumption with refined diets, preferring high-calorie and high-fat foods. This shift increases the risk of obesity, a significant risk factor for diabetes. Studies show that obese individuals have weaker pancreatic function, resulting in insufficient insulin secretion, which in turn raises the risk of diabetes.
Limited Treatment Methods
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that cannot be completely cured. Current medical methods can only prevent and control the disease, leading to the high prevalence of diabetes.
03
A man from Jiangsu, in the mid-stage of diabetes, ate “onions” every day. What happened to his body after half a year?
Mr. Song, a 32-year-old from Jiangsu, pulled a muscle in his back while working and was resting at home under his supervisor’s approval. Mr. Song had a habit of not drinking much water daily; when thirsty, he preferred buying soft drinks or having a couple of cups of milk tea. After several months of rest, although his back improved, new issues arose.
While at work, Mr. Song noticed an increase in appetite, persistent fatigue despite minimal physical exertion, and dry mouth and thirst that didn’t improve even after drinking plenty of water.
To address his health issues, Mr. Song had to undergo detailed medical examinations. He discovered he was in the mid-stage of diabetes due to his habits of limited water intake and excess sugar consumption. The doctor advised him to take the prescribed blood sugar-lowering medication regularly and adjust his lifestyle, including regular exercise and dietary control, to effectively reduce blood sugar levels.
Upon returning home, Mr. Song was concerned about the side effects of blood sugar-lowering medication. He searched online for ways to lower blood sugar levels and, upon learning that onions can help, he bought a large bag and diligently consumed them daily. After a month of consuming onions, his blood sugar levels were effectively controlled. Thinking onions were effective, he continued this practice but eventually experienced an increase in blood sugar levels and severe stomach pain.
Subsequently, Mr. Song underwent a thorough medical examination, revealing that his self-prescribed onion consumption was the cause of his problems. While onions can help alleviate high blood sugar, they only play a supportive role. Relying solely on onions without blood sugar-lowering medication cannot control blood sugar levels.
Moreover, onions are irritating foods; excessive consumption can damage the gastric mucosa, exacerbate gastrointestinal discomfort, and lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
04
What does comprehensive treatment for diabetes patients include?
05
Diagnosed with diabetes? Don’t worry, do these 3 things to help manage high blood sugar
Mood Regulation
Studies suggest that fluctuating emotions can raise blood pressure and blood sugar levels. To regulate blood sugar effectively, maintaining emotional stability by listening to relaxing music and calming nerves is crucial.
Exercise Moderation
Consistent moderate exercise can effectively regulate blood sugar levels. Engaging in daily half-hour exercises can suppress blood sugar elevation, helping reduce the need for medication. Regular exercise can enhance the body’s disease resistance and enhance pancreatic activity, aiding in stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Focus on Minor Illnesses
Diabetes can lead to various complications, so patients should pay attention to minor illnesses like infection, colds, and fever in their daily lives. During infections or colds, the body activates the immune system to combat viruses, which can elevate blood sugar levels.
