Diabetes is a disease characterized by high blood sugar levels.

Diabetes is a chronic disease in which blood sugar levels are elevated. This can have two causes: either the body does not produce enough insulin, or the insulin it produces is not effective enough. In both cases, cells cannot absorb enough sugar (glucose), leading to its accumulation in the blood.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the most common forms. Gestational diabetes is a temporary form of diabetes that can occur during pregnancy. There are also some rare forms of diabetes.

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells of the pancreas. As a result, the body does not produce insulin or produces insufficient insulin. Therefore, it is necessary to inject insulin for life from the time of diagnosis. This condition usually develops in children or young adults (under 40 years old), although type 1 diabetes can still develop at an older age. Among all people with diabetes, less than 10% are affected by type 1.

More than 90% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. The disease mainly occurs from the age of 40. Two problems are at the origin of type 2 diabetes: insulin is still produced but in insufficient quantity, and the effect of the present insulin is also reduced. Hereditary predisposition plays a role, but especially with obesity and lack of exercise, the chances of contracting the disease increase. A healthy lifestyle can prevent type 2 diabetes.

A particular form of diabetes is gestational diabetes. This occurs mainly in the second half of pregnancy. This requires additional monitoring to minimize risks during pregnancy and birth. Usually, diabetes disappears after childbirth.

Short-term complications

Hypo (blood sugar too low)

Hypoglycemia or "hypo" occurs when your blood sugar drops too low - below 60 to 70 mg/dl. You get a hypo when there is too much insulin in the blood compared to the amount of sugar.

Hyperglycemia (blood sugar too high)

Hyperglycemia or "hyper" occurs when your blood sugar rises sharply and stays above 250 mg/dl. Hyperglycemia usually develops gradually over several hours to several days.

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Long-term complications

Cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most common consequences of diabetes. People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop these problems than the general population.

Eye problems

Diabetes can affect the small blood vessels in the eyes. An annual visit to the ophthalmologist is necessary to detect emerging eye problems in time and treat them if necessary.

Kidney complications

Long-term high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys and the surrounding tissues. This damage is called nephropathy.

Neurological complications

Diabetes can disrupt the conduction of stimuli through nerve pathways, which is called neuropathy.

When it comes to improving your nutritional habits and lifestyle, the dietitian is the specialist par excellence to accompany you in this area. This can be done through an individually adapted daily program that takes into account your personal situation.

Don't consider the dietitian as the bogeyman who imposes a strict diet on you, but as a specialist who teaches you healthy eating and lifestyle habits in a pleasant way.

For any diabetic person, an annual allowance is provided for at least 2 half-hour consultations. To be entitled to it, please contact your health insurance and talk to your doctor for more information.