The introduction of the sugar tax and the rise in the price of our sweetened beverages have sparked a discussion about the harmful effects of sugar on our health, as well as the diseases it can cause. One of them is diabetes, called the epidemic of the XNUMXst century. Here are the most important facts about it.
Almost 3 million Poles live with diagnosed diabetes. Many do not know about their disease because they do not do medical examinations. As part of the 2020 National Health Test of Poles 400, we asked respondents how they care about their health and well-being. The report, which is based on the analysis of over XNUMX completed questionnaires, includes an entire chapter on diabetes. According to WHO, diabetes is an epidemic of the XNUMXst century. What are the risk factors for developing this disease? What do we know about diabetes and how do we protect ourselves against it?
Diabetes is an epidemic of the XNUMXst century
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia resulting from disturbance of insulin secretion and / or action. According to the data presented on the patient.gov.pl website, in 2018 there were 2,9 million adults (1,3 million men and 1,6 million women) with diabetes in Poland. Of course, I am talking about diagnosed people. A large proportion of people with pre-diabetes do not know they are at risk for diabetes.
The largest number of patients per 1000 inhabitants was recorded in the Śląskie (103) and Łódzkie (101,4) voivodships. The lowest number of diabetics is found in the Podlaskie (78,5) and Podkarpackie (79,5) voivodships.
As part of the National Health Test of Poles 2020, we asked, among others o diagnosed with diabetes. 7 percent of the respondents, i.e. every 14th respondent admitted that he / she had diabetes. The results are not surprising MedTvoiLokony expert prof. dr hab. n. med. Maciej Małecki.
– 7 percent this is exactly as stated in the last IDF atlas, i.e. the International Diabetes Federation, which is a very good result of the National Health Test of Poles in terms of compliance with scientific data. However, I believe that this percentage is underestimated because a large group of people are not diagnosed with diabetes – explains Małecki.
What can make the data on diagnosed diabetics understated?
Preventive tests for diabetes
The report of the National Health Test of Poles 2020 shows that only 50 percent. of respondents regularly test their blood sugar levels. In the last year, such a study was carried out by only 36 percent. people aged 18-24. Interestingly, with age, we are more likely to use this form of prophylaxis – blood sugar is regularly measured by 72%. people over 65 years of age.
How to interpret a blood glucose test (fasting venous blood test?
| Glucose Level: | Interpretation: |
|---|---|
| From 70 to 99 mg/dL (from 3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L) | normal glucose level |
| From 100 to 125 mg/dL (from 5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) | abnormal fasting glucose |
| At least 126 mg / dL (7.0 mmol / L) in at least two measurements | Diabetes |
As much as 26 percent. Poles do not check their blood glucose levels at all, which is quite worrying because elevated levels may indicate pre-diabetes or diabetes. In 15 percent of respondents the standard in the study was exceeded, including in 3 percent. significantly. As much as 30 percent. does not remember his last result.
It is worth knowing what risk factors may influence the development of diabetes (type 2).
More about diabetes:
- Not only obesity. What puts us at risk of diabetes?
- Diabetes is a challenge that overwhelms the system. The neglect is dramatic and the sick pay the highest price
- Diabetes under control – check what you need to know about it