Do You Know The Common Misunderstandings About Diabetes?
Apr 22, 2024
In modern society, diabetes has become a major public health problem worldwide, affecting the quality of life of hundreds of millions of people.
Although the popularization of diabetes knowledge has achieved certain results, there are still many misunderstandings about the disease among the public. These misunderstandings may not only lead to delayed diagnosis and improper treatment, but may also increase the risk of complications.
Click to Cistanche for kidney disease
This article will provide an in-depth analysis of common misunderstandings about diabetes and provide scientific cognitive and health management suggestions, aiming to help readers correctly understand and deal with this chronic disease.
Myth 1: Stricter blood sugar control is better
Blood sugar control should follow the principle of individualization, not only to avoid the harm caused by hyperglycemia but also to be alert to the risk of hypoglycemia. Individualized glycemic control goals should be developed.
Misunderstanding 2: We only know about type 2 diabetes but not other types
Diabetes can be divided into type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and special types of diabetes, and the treatments are different.
Myth 3: Only "three more and one less" symptoms are diabetes
Typical symptoms of diabetes are polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and weight loss. However, in prediabetes and/or asymptomatic diabetes, there are often no obvious symptoms. Some diabetic patients are first diagnosed with hypoglycemia, and some are even first diagnosed with coma.
Misunderstanding 4: Sugar-free foods and diabetes-specific foods do not need to be limited
The sugar substitutes, fats, and carbohydrates that may be contained in sugar-free foods also have an impact on sugar metabolism.
Myth 5: Aerobic exercise is better than strength training
Aerobic exercise (such as walking, swimming, and cycling) and strength training (such as resistance training, and weight training) have different effects on blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, and body fat distribution. It is recommended that patients with diabetes combine aerobic exercise with strength training. Develop a comprehensive exercise program.
Myth 6: Exercise on an empty stomach helps lower blood sugar
There is a possible risk of hypoglycemia associated with exercising on an empty stomach, especially in patients taking insulin or certain oral antidiabetic drugs. It is recommended to eat small portions before and after exercise, delay insulin injection appropriately, and monitor blood sugar to ensure safe and effective exercise.
Myth 7: If blood sugar does not reach the target, it means that the drug is ineffective and needs to be replaced immediately
The drug onset time is different, and the hypoglycemic effect will lag. The drug dosage should be gradually adjusted and the drug regimen should be optimized under the guidance of a doctor instead of frequent drug changes.
Myth 8: Mild hypoglycemia does not require treatment
Even mild hypoglycemia should be corrected in time to prevent blood sugar fluctuations and cognitive function damage, supplement fast-glycemic foods, re-monitor blood sugar, seek medical treatment when necessary, and analyze the causes of hypoglycemia to prevent recurrence.
Misunderstanding 9: Ignore the potential side effects of oral medications and stop taking them on your own after discomfort occurs
In the early stages of medication, pay close attention to physical reactions (such as gastrointestinal reactions, weight gain, edema, fracture risk, etc.), as well as warning symptoms of serious side effects. In many cases, this can be avoided by starting with a small dose and gradually increasing the dose, and follow up with a follow-up visit in time. Follow the doctor's advice to adjust the medication or take symptomatic treatment, and do not stop taking the medication on your own.
Myth 10: Insulin is the "last resort" for diabetes treatment
Early insulin intervention is important to protect β-cell function and delay the occurrence of complications. Timely initiation of insulin therapy should not be regarded as a sign of serious disease, but an effective strategy to optimize blood sugar management.
Misunderstanding 11: Only focus on fasting blood sugar and ignore postprandial blood sugar
Fasting blood sugar, 2-hour postprandial blood sugar, random blood sugar, and nighttime blood sugar all have their own testing significance. All types of blood sugar should be monitored regularly according to individualized treatment plans to fully understand blood sugar fluctuations and choose a blood sugar-lowering plan that suits you.
Myth 12: There is no need to do fingerstick blood glucose testing after using a dynamic blood glucose meter
Dynamic blood glucose meters and fingertip blood glucose testing should be complementary, and the two monitoring methods should be used in a reasonable combination to ensure a comprehensive and accurate understanding of blood glucose status.
Myth 13: Hypoglycemia only occurs when there are obvious symptoms
In addition to the typical symptoms of hypoglycemia (such as palpitation, sweating, trembling, hunger, irritability, blurred vision, etc.), there may also be asymptomatic hypoglycemia and nocturnal hypoglycemia.
It is necessary to monitor blood sugar regularly, especially during periods when hypoglycemia is prone to occur (such as before meals, after exercise, and at night), and to detect and deal with hypoglycemia in a timely manner.
Myth 14: There is no need to screen for complications in the early stages of diabetes
Complications (such as eye disease, nephropathy, neuropathy, cardiovascular disease, foot disease, etc.) may already exist when diabetes is diagnosed or progresses rapidly in the early stages and should be screened and treated early. Screening for complications should be started immediately after type 2 diabetes is diagnosed, and then reviewed regularly as directed by the doctor, especially when the course of the disease and treatment plan change, the frequency of screening should be increased.
Myth 15: Clinical remission of diabetes means it is cured
The connotation of clinical remission of diabetes is that through treatment, the blood sugar level of diabetic patients can be maintained within the normal or close to normal range for a long time, without relying on anti-diabetic drugs (including insulin), and the anti-diabetic drugs should be stopped for at least 3 months. However, clinical remission is not a radical cure for diabetes. Patients still need to monitor blood sugar long-term and maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent the recurrence of the disease.
Myth 16: Everyone can achieve clinical remission
Clinical remission is not applicable to all patients with diabetes, and factors such as individual differences, disease course, and comorbidities need to be considered.
Summary
Our understanding of diabetes should correct the concept of judging diabetes based only on typical symptoms, break the stereotype that diabetes only occurs in the elderly or obese people, and remind individuals of all ages and body types to pay attention to diabetes risks and conduct regular screenings.
In terms of treatment, it is necessary to realize that drug treatment should be equal to lifestyle intervention. Do not blindly pursue blood sugar targets. Work with your doctor to formulate individualized blood sugar goals to avoid excessively strict control that may lead to an increase in the risk of hypoglycemia.
Actively prevent and monitor complications, such as regular eye exams, kidney function monitoring, neuropathy screening, etc. The dosage adjustment of antidiabetic drugs cannot be "followed by feeling". It should be based on blood sugar monitoring results and doctor's guidance to avoid increasing or decreasing the dosage on your own, which may lead to blood sugar fluctuations.
You should be aware of the potential side effects and possible drug interactions of the medications you take. Comprehensively understand blood sugar fluctuations, and don't neglect nighttime and post-meal blood sugar monitoring.
It is necessary to avoid common misunderstandings in diabetes management, work closely with the medical team, actively participate in diabetes education, improve self-management skills, achieve comprehensive and effective diabetes control, minimize the risk of complications, and ensure the quality of life.
How Does Cistanche Treat Kidney Disease?
Cistanche is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for centuries to treat various health conditions, including kidney disease. It is derived from the dried stems of Cistanche deserticola, a plant native to the deserts of China and Mongolia. The main active components of cistanche are phenylethanoid glycosides, echinacoside, and acteoside, which have been found to have beneficial effects on kidney health.
Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, refers to a condition in which the kidneys are not functioning properly. This can result in a buildup of waste products and toxins in the body, leading to various symptoms and complications. Cistanche may help treat kidney disease ase through several mechanisms.
Firstly, cistanche has been found to have diuretic properties, meaning it can increase urine production and help eliminate waste products from the body. This can help relieve the burden on the kidneys and prevent the buildup of toxins. By promoting diuresis, cistanche may also help Reduce high blood pressure, a common complication of kidney disease.
Moreover, cistanche has been shown to have antioxidant effects. Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's antioxidant defenses, plays a key role in the progression of kidney disease. ies help neutralize free radicals and reduce Oxidative stress, thereby protecting the kidneys from damage. The phenylethanoid glycosides found in cistanche have been particularly effective in scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.
Additionally, cistanche has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is another key factor in the development and progression of kidney disease. Cistanche's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit the activation of inflammation mandatory pathways, thus alleviating inflammation in the kidneys.
Furthermore, cistanche has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects. In kidney disease, the immune system can be dysregulated, leading to excessive inflammation and tissue damage. Cistanche helps regulate the immune response by modulating the production and activity of immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages. This immune regulation helps reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the kidneys.
Moreover, cistanche has been found to improve renal function by promoting the regeneration of renal tubes with cells. Renal tubular epithelial cells play a crucial role in the filtration and reabsorption of waste products and electrolytes. In kidney disease, these cells can be damaged, leading to damaged renal function. Cistanche's ability to promote the regeneration of these cells helps restore proper renal function and improve overall kidney health.
In addition to these direct effects on the kidneys, cistanche has been found to have beneficial effects on other organs and systems in the body. This holistic approach to health is particularly important in kidney disease, as the condition often affects multiple organs and systems. che has been shown to have protective effects on the liver, heart, and blood vessels, which are commonly affected by kidney disease. By promoting the health of these organs, cistanche helps improve overall kidney function and prevent further complications.
In conclusion, cistanche is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for centuries to treat kidney disease. Its active components have diuretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative effects, which help improve renal function and protect the kidneys from further damage. , cistanche has beneficial effects on other organs and systems, making it a holistic approach to treating kidney disease.
