Diabetes doctor: "Nowadays the bad genes multiply better "Please mark the corresponding words in the text. With just two clicks, report the error to the editors.
dpa/Franziska Gabbert/dpa-tmn Those affected by diabetes mellitus (diabetes) have a deficiency of the hormone insulin and/or a reduced insulin effect.
Between 7 and 8 million people in Germany live with a diagnosis of diabetes. Therapeutic options have improved considerably in recent years. Providing a better quality of life for those affected. In an interview with FOCUS Online, Dietrich Tews, a specialist in diabetes, explains how you can recognize diabetes and how to take effective prophylactic measures.
FOCUS Online: Mr. Tews, one in ten Germans suffers from diabetes. How does?
Dietrich Tews: This is the crucial question. One explanation is certainly the change in lifestyle. We are no longer hunter-gatherers, but our physical functions are still at the level of 1000 years ago. We eat too many calories these days. Another is that people used to die and only the "tough ones" survived. Nowadays the bad genes multiply better.
What are the first signs of diabetes?
Tews: Statistically, diabetes is not diagnosed until seven years later. It is not noticeable. Is usually only discovered by chance. The first signs, however, are when they are frequently tired and have the feeling that they are no longer capable of performing. If you also feel more thirsty and the urge to go to the bathroom more often increases, this may indicate diabetes.
Free webinar: Help with diabetes – medication and modern therapy concepts
The treatment options for diabetes have improved in recent years thanks to new medications and have led to a better quality of life. Dr. Dietrich Tewes talks in the free webinar about the current research and gives prospects in diabetes therapy. GET YOUR FREE TICKET HERE!
Which factors promote diabetes?
Tews: There are reasons like environmental influences or noise. But again there is no fixed pattern. For example, being overweight does not necessarily equate to increased risk, although poor diet is certainly not beneficial. And heredity, as mentioned, also plays a role.
About the interviewer:
Dr. med. Dietrich Tews is a specialist in internal medicine and diabetologist LaK + DDG. He is head of the BAG Diabetes Center Dr. Tews& Partner in Gelnhausen, which helps sufferers to reconcile the challenges of diabetes well with their everyday lives, with specialist knowledge and experience. He is married. Has six children.
Is diabetes actually curable?
Tews: If you ask a surgeon, he will say yes. But we still don't know exactly what the mechanism is that promotes diabetes. Inflammation of the pancreas plays a role and if many cells are destroyed there, they cannot be repaired. A cure is most likely in the pre-diabetes state.
There are types 1 and 2 in diabetes – what are the differences?
Tews: Type 1 is an autoimmune disease. The body produces no or hardly any insulin. Without feeding insulin through a syringe, the patient:in dies within eight days. With type 2, we see a gradual process. The sugar levels rise, but insulin itself is still present.
How have therapy options changed in recent years? Has improved somewhat?
Tews: Insulins have been modernized and are more like the body's own. As a result, intolerances are decreasing. The beginnings of this development date back to the 1990s. In the last ten years, insulins have become faster, which means that the effect after the injection sets in more quickly.
How can I sensibly carry out a prophylaxis?
Tews: Of course you can measure the blood glucose level once. But you have to keep in mind that the value rises when you have eaten something and also in the course of the morning. Therefore, it makes sense to measure the value fasting between 8 and 9 o'clock. And if abnormalities should then arise, a more elaborate test is worthwhile.
Free webinar: Interesting facts about diabetes: medication and modern therapy concepts
You can get more tips about diabetes in the free webinar from the specialist in diabetology Dr. Dietrich Tews at FOCUS Online on 29. March experienced. HERE YOU CAN GET YOUR FREE TICKET!