If a patient has diabetes, he always has a lot of questions that need to be answered. Moreover, the information should be as complete and accurate as possible so that there are no complications of the disease due to improper treatment or lifestyle. With all questions it is worth contacting the doctor, so that the specialist accurately assesses all the existing symptoms and draws up a treatment plan, and also advised on changes in body weight, the need for insulin, and the correction of the usual way of life. What is worth finding out?
Which doctor conducts the initial examination?
Experts say that the first signs of developing diabetes can be determined by the local doctor based on the results of laboratory tests. He must, on the basis of an elevated fasting blood sugar level, prescribe a consultation with an endocrinologist to a patient. It is very important that you seek medical advice as soon as possible and undergo all necessary laboratory tests if symptoms occur that may indicate diabetes (thirst, loss of body weight, malaise, weakness). This is important because similar symptoms can be signs of other diseases that also disrupt the patient’s general condition. The work of the general practitioner is to assess the symptoms and determine the preliminary diagnosis of diabetes.
Types of diabetes and endocrinology consultation
If a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is suspected, specialists say that patients should make an appointment with an endocrinologist immediately when the very first symptoms are detected to make sure that the disease is properly controlled from the very beginning, from the moment of diagnosis.If a patient has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, often a therapist and a nutritionist are also involved in controlling the disease. If confirmation of the diagnosis is required, an endocrinologist can determine diabetes on the basis of laboratory tests, a typical clinical picture, and additional symptoms.
Do I need to use insulin?
Diabetes mellitus has steadily progressed over the years. In the presence of diabetes, the first type of insulin is necessary from the very beginning of the disease. But type 2 diabetes can be monitored for a long time due to lifestyle changes, diet correction, and oral hypoglycemic agents.However, in the end, many patients are transferred to insulin. Despite the patient’s best efforts, the disease is prone to progression, and, most likely, to eliminate or slow down the onset of dangerous complications, additional medications may be required, since the pancreas produces insulin at ever decreasing concentrations. This is a progressive chronic pathology that will not disappear by itself. It will require proper control by the person himself from the moment the diagnosis is revealed and then the whole subsequent life.
Doctors are concerned that many diabetics know about antihyperglycemic drugs, but often do not understand that they will have to use them for the rest of the time. There is evidence that if a patient loses weight by 10-15%, he may refuse to use drugs, and diabetes will disappear. But this is incorrect information. There is no way to cure diabetes today. Perhaps by reducing his body weight, he can be put into remission, but he will never disappear. Doctors say that as soon as the patient starts taking hypoglycemic drugs, he will have to take them all his life or until another treatment (for example, insulin) replaces them.
Is body weight control important?
However, doctors are confident that the patient has the ability to control how quickly the disease progresses. When type 2 diabetes is first diagnosed, if the patient can lose about 10% or more of body weight, this will be an essential step for better control of diabetes in later life. The greater the body weight lost against the background of this diagnosis, the less drugs will need to be taken after three years, five or even 20 years. This is due to the fact that with such a diagnosis there is usually overweight or even marked obesity.
Many people with diabetes, who have reduced body weight by 10–20 kg and are holding their weight, still use low doses of drugs many years later. But a person who does not lose weight or continues to gain weight, does not take medicine, in 5-7 years will come to the conclusion that the pills will not work, and you will need to use insulin and go to a more complex scheme of its introduction, because the body has lost ability to synthesize this hormone.
The bottom line is that early intervention can change the trajectory of the disease, so from the very beginning it is important to follow the advice of your doctor about weight management and medication, nutrition. From the time of diagnosis, patients have the right to determine how the disease will develop further.
What else do you need to know about the disease?
Some patients may be very confused by their diagnosis, especially with type 2 diabetes, which is formed as a result of obesity and possibly some unhealthy habits and lifestyle. Such a negative attitude towards the disease hurts. The mental component is important in the development and progression of diabetes. Sometimes it helps to talk with a doctor or psychologist, so as not to feel guilty for the presence of the disease. It is also recommended to find a support group that can help the patient feel less alone in their daily of life .
It is also recommended to inform your close friends or family members about your diagnosis. This is a disease in which the patient may need help at some point, and it is better if the family members know about the disease. Some patients do not want to take care of themselves properly, because they are afraid that others will react to their diagnosis. Many people are confused that sometimes they will have to check their blood sugar or injecting insulin in a restaurant or a guest, it can be difficult to do imperceptibly. Some people hide the disease, their health suffers from it.They do not inject insulin on time, because they are uncomfortable, they are shy, or others are looking at them. It is important to understand that health is more important than the views of outsiders.