Tired and often thirsty – the big danger behind it

What is diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus, also called 'sugar disease', is a disorder of glucose metabolism. There are several forms of diabetes, but they are all caused by a disturbed regulation of blood glucose, where blood sugar remains elevated over time and contributes to damage in various organs. The name diabetes mellitus comes from the characteristically sweet-smelling urine and means “honey-sweet flow”.

After every meal, sugar (glucose) is absorbed into the blood via the small intestine. The rise in blood glucose stimulates the beta cells of the pancreas to release the hormone insulin, which enables glucose to enter cells and serve there as an energy source for metabolism. This lowers the blood glucose level. If this blood sugar regulation is disturbed, diabetes develops.

What are the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

In type 1 diabetes the pancreas (usually for genetic reasons) produces no insulin.

In type 2 diabetes, insulin is produced, but the body's cells become progressively less sensitive to it, a condition called insulin resistance: even though there is enough insulin, the hormone cannot fully exert its important effect.

As a result, glucose can no longer enter the body's cells and blood glucose rises. The body signals the beta cells to make ever more insulin, and over time these cells become exhausted and produce very little insulin.

How does diabetes affect water and mineral balance?

If blood glucose becomes too high, this causes major changes in the water and mineral balance as well as a severe energy shortage in the body's cells and in the central nervous system.

The kidneys excrete increased amounts of glucose in the urine. The urine is clear and only lightly coloured. Affected people have to go to the toilet very often, especially at night, because sugar normally binds water.

Increased urination is accompanied by a strong feeling of thirst. The body tries to compensate for the fluid loss, but the tormenting thirst cannot really be quenched.

What symptoms and long-term consequences can uncontrolled diabetes cause?

Other symptoms include weakness, fatigue and concentration problems: there may be plenty of glucose in the blood, but it cannot be used to provide energy to the body's cells (especially brain cells).

Strong fluctuations in blood glucose make the lens of the eye swell and cause annoying vision problems.

In addition, the peripheral nervous system is affected: there is a disturbance of pain sensation and muscle coordination suffers. Blood vessels are damaged, which can lead to circulatory disorders up to complete occlusion.

Successful blood sugar management – practical tips for everyday life

• Watch your weight, as overweight is a risk factor for developing diabetes. A large waist circumference is particularly dangerous: the fat that accumulates around and inside the internal organs promotes the development of type 2 diabetes. Lose excess kilos!
• Try to be as active as possible in daily life: at least 30 minutes of active movement every day. Take the stairs instead of the lift, cycle whenever possible and walk instead of driving when you can. Sport is particularly effective: jogging, Nordic walking and swimming are fairly strenuous and sweat-inducing and improve metabolism.
• Eat healthily and balanced with plenty of fibre (wholegrain bread, wholegrain pasta, legumes, brown rice, muesli), which help against disturbed sugar and fat metabolism and improve the effect of insulin. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and choose meat with as little fat as possible. Note that steaming, poaching and cooking en papillote are better than frying. Avoid high-calorie snacks like fast food, processed meats and sweets, which contain large amounts of fat and sugar.
• Drinks should also be healthy. Make sure to drink at least 1.5 litres of water daily in small sips. Avoid soft drinks such as lemonades, cola and fruit juices. They contain enormous amounts of sugar and promote insulin resistance. Sweetener-containing drinks “without sugar” are not a good alternative either; they also create an increased risk for insulin resistance. Alcohol raises blood sugar levels and should only be consumed in moderation.
• Some studies show that coffee can have a protective effect against type 2 diabetes. Coffee appears to be most effective around midday.
• Smoking is a significant diabetes risk factor. It damages the pancreas and negatively affects metabolism. In addition, smoking is a well-known killer of blood vessels.
• Maintain healthy blood pressure. Normal blood pressure values reduce the risk of dangerous diabetes complications and prevent damage to small blood vessels in the kidneys, eyes, heart, nerves and brain.
• Relax and ensure timely stress reduction. Stress hormones raise blood glucose. Take regular breaks and downtime and try different relaxation techniques such as autogenic training, breathing exercises, yoga, Pilates or progressive muscle relaxation.
• Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep has negative effects on blood sugar values, insulin action and insulin secretion. Severe sleep disorders are often associated with diabetes.These tips and tricks promote a health-conscious lifestyle and help you stay healthy!

These tips and tricks promote a health-conscious lifestyle and help you stay healthy!