Russian Endocrinologists on New Methods of Diabetes Diagnosis
Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) are sounding the alarm. Every year, the number of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) steadily increases. Over one generation, the prevalence of the disease worldwide has increased sixfold.
According to statistics, diabetes has been detected in 246 million people, and by 2025 the number of patients will increase by another 360 million. In 90% of cases, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is diagnosed. It usually occurs after 35–40 years of age, more often against the background of excess body weight. The cause of the disease is impaired action of one’s own insulin, a decrease in the sensitivity of body cells to insulin due to a genetic defect and/or obesity.
“Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disease, characterized by elevated blood sugar levels and leading to metabolic disturbances, vascular and nerve damage, and pathological changes in various organs and tissues. Mortality from DM reaches 3.5 million cases per year, and these figures will only increase over time. Prevention and diagnosis will help avoid a tragic course of events,” says Ekaterina Erokhina, an endocrinologist at the MEDSI Diabetes Center.
Currently, this disease is studied to such an extent that timely measures make it possible to reliably delay or even completely avoid its onset. For this, it is necessary to know the risk factors, detect them in time, and follow the physician’s recommendations. In particular, excess weight reliably increases the risk of developing diabetes mellitus, stroke, and heart attack, and often acts as a cause of arterial hypertension and increased blood cholesterol levels. Therefore, weight loss of even 5 kg will improve the prognosis,” the physician continues.
E. Erokhina notes that screening for the detection of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus is especially recommended for individuals with excess weight, those who have not monitored their blood sugar (glucose) levels for at least the past three years, those with high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, a history of gestational diabetes (elevated blood sugar during pregnancy), as well as a family history burdened by DM.
“Unfortunately, in the 21st century we have less and less time for ourselves and our health: affairs, work. Meanwhile, the body does not forgive a negligent attitude toward itself. The EXPRESS‑DIAGNOSTICS CHECK‑UP ‘Diabetes’ program, developed by specialists of the Express Diagnostics Department of the MEDSI Clinical Diagnostic Center on Belorusskaya, will help quickly and qualitatively assess the risks of developing DM. In just a few hours, you will undergo a full body examination, take the necessary tests, and consult with specialists. Final CHECK‑UP results will be available 7 working days after diagnosis. You will receive a detailed report on the state of your health, recommendations on necessary preventive measures, and, if necessary, a treatment plan. An accurate diagnosis and adequate therapy can be prescribed only on the basis of examination results, so do not neglect visiting a physician,” says E. Erokhina.
CHECK‑UP specialists help the patient understand what diabetes is, why it is dangerous, what actions should be taken in case of hypo‑ and hyperglycemic episodes and how to avoid them. In addition, they will teach how to monitor blood glucose levels and provide dietary recommendations.
Treatment is prescribed individually in each case, taking into account the specifics of metabolic disturbances. It is important to normalize impaired metabolic processes and body weight, preserve or restore patients’ working capacity, and improve their quality of life.
Express diabetes testing is fast and convenient. However, this is not the only option. You can contact a Diabetes Center: state‑run or private. The main thing is to receive a qualified service. At the MEDSI Diabetes Center, consultations are provided by endocrinologists‑diabetologists, cardiologists‑lipidologists, ophthalmologists, neurologists, nephrologists, gynecologists, and urologists; all laboratory and instrumental studies necessary to assess the course of DM are performed.
In their work, Center specialists actively use CGMS — a system for 24‑hour monitoring of glucose levels in patients. To date, this is the most advanced method of sugar monitoring in the world. A special device measures blood glucose levels every five minutes over three to five days. The information is saved automatically, and then the physician analyzes it. As physicians note, CGMS lacks the shortcomings that patients encounter when using test strips and can reveal hidden deviations in glycemic levels.