INTRODUCTIONDiabetes mellitusDiabetes is the most common chronic disease in the Netherlands. More than 300,000 people are diagnosed with it. A good reason to take a closer look at this condition.WHAT IS DIABETES?With diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin may also not work properly because the body has become insensitive to it. Being overweight is a common cause. As a result, glucose (fuel for the body) cannot enter the body's cells and remains in the blood. In a person without diabetes, the blood glucose level fluctuates between 3 and 7 mmol per liter. In people with diabetes, this can rise to 20 to 30 mmol per liter.TWO FORMSDiabetes can be roughly divided into two forms:
- Diabetes that develops under the age of 35. The patient becomes very ill in a short time and is forced to inject themselves with insulin for the rest of their life.
- Diabetes that occurs in old age . This usually develops very gradually, and sometimes patients don't notice it because the symptoms are vague. For example, fatigue, decreased appetite, or weight loss. Obesity is often a contributing cause. This form of diabetes can be treated with dietary advice and possibly tablets. Nowadays, this type of diabetes is also treated with insulin injections.PREVENT DIABETESDiabetics have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, eye and kidney problems, and foot problems. Proper treatment is therefore crucial. Regular, regular checkups by a general practitioner and/or internist are essential to minimize these complications.WHAT CAN YOU DO YOURSELF?If there is a family history of diabetes (parents, siblings), it's wise to have your blood glucose checked annually by your GP. This is especially recommended if you are over 50 and overweight. If you have diabetes, it's important to be aware of the precise nature of this disease. Knowing what's wrong with your body can help you better understand why you should or shouldn't do certain things. It's important to have regular checkups with your GP or internist, for example, every three months, so they can monitor the effectiveness of the treatment. Checkups with your ophthalmologist are a standard part of this. You can also play a significant role in preventing and combating foot problems. Check your feet regularly for wounds and blisters, wear comfortable footwear, and practice good nail and foot care.WHAT CAN THE HOSPITAL DO?Adult-onset diabetes can initially be treated very well by your general practitioner. The dietitian at Kruiswerk will then be consulted for nutritional advice. However, you will need to visit the hospital laboratory once a few years for a comprehensive blood test. If patients already have complications from diabetes, they are usually treated by an internist and will naturally end up in hospital care. In that case, you can also use the hospital dietitians and the services of the diabetes nurses. They can provide you with information about the disease, injection options, and self-monitoring equipment. Naturally, they will also answer all your questions about living with diabetes.You can live with diabetesThat's the slogan of the Dutch Diabetes Association (DVN). This patient association offers extensive support to diabetes patients. They provide written information, hold telephone consultations, and organize meetings to connect fellow sufferers and make a positive contribution to learning to live with diabetes. |
