- The health audience has been talking openly about metabolic syndrome for years. How do you think such a state of health of patients is reflected?
Metabolic syndrome is a health condition that has been talked about a lot lately. Metabolic syndrome is a set of multiple metabolic disorders (risk factors) that occur together, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Some also call it insulin resistance syndrome. Metabolic syndrome can be suspected if a person has at least three of the 5 possible disorders:
- Central or abdominal thickness (fat deposits in the waist), ie waist circumference of over 102 cm in men and over 89 cm in women.
Blood sugar level 5.6 mmol / l or higher
- Blood pressure – 130/85 mmHg or higher
- High triglyceride level – 1.7mmol / L or higher
- Reduced HDL cholesterol – less than 1.04 mmol / L in men or less than 1.3 mmol / L in women.
Having one of these disorders does not mean that you have metabolic syndrome, but it does mean that you have a high risk of serious illness.
- How important is the role of the liver in the regulation of blood glycemia and what would a chronic disorder of its function mean?
The role of the liver in regulating blood glycemia is invaluable. In the liver, polysaccharides are converted to glycogen which, with the help of enzymatic activity, will be transformed into glucose. In the liver, the synthesis and breakdown of glycogen are regulated in order to maintain the concentration of glucose in the blood, ie to meet the needs of all organs for glucose. This is why chronic liver dysfunction would mean, among other clinical changes, impaired glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in the muscles and liver. I would like to mention that insulin resistance pathophysiologically leads to non-alcoholic steatosis of the liver which is actually one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease in the western world.
- In which cases can liver dysfunction occur and how can patients prevent such changes?
Disorders of liver function can occur in certain diseases of the same – Infections – Viral hepatitis A, B, C, then autoimmune diseases of the liver such as primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis. of the liver, biliary ductal carcinoma. Somewhat less commonly mentioned are genetic congenital liver diseases such as haemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease.
Recently, non-alcoholic steatosis of the liver has become more common, especially in the countries of the western world. Some of these conditions, such as congenital and autoimmune conditions, can not be greatly affected, but of course for others there is adequate prevention. A healthy and balanced diet with a higher intake of fruits, vegetables, cereals, dietary fiber is imperative and a reduced intake of sugars, alcohol, salt, fats especially saturated and trans fats. Regular daily physical activity, smoking cessation, alcohol consumption and stress reduction or management are also advised. It is very important to have regular routine examinations with a family doctor and, if necessary, with an internist.
- What is the significance of the metabolic syndrome for the occurrence of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus?
Metabolic syndrome is closely linked to overeating, obesity, or physical inactivity. It is also associated with a condition called insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Unless lifestyle changes are made to control weight, insulin resistance can develop, leading to high blood sugar, or type 2 diabetes. And high cholesterol and blood pressure are responsible for atherosclerotic changes leading to cardiovascular disease.
- On the eve of World Diabetes Day, November 14, what are your messages to citizens regarding the prevention of diabetes?
Diet (balanced diet) is the basis in the prevention of diabetes. The diet includes a balanced intake of carbohydrates, fats, proteins and foods rich in fruits, vegetables, cereals, dietary fiber. Avoiding the intake of saturated fats and salt in the diet. Physical activity is also an important part of glycemic control, and at the same time it makes you happier, healthier, and it is known that movement protects your blood vessels. 30 minutes of physical activity every day is recommended. Prevention also includes maintaining a normal weight and avoiding smoking.
- This year’s theme for Diabetes Day is “Diabetes: Nurses Make a Difference.” How much are the nurses your partner in patient education?
In terms of patient education, the nurse has a major role to play in carrying out the overall process. The nurse’s task is to contact patients for a period of time and to address the individual needs of each patient. People with diabetes face many challenges and education and follow-up by a nurse is essential for the patient. Successfully performed education creates another expert in the team – the patient, who is informed and well controls diabetes and leads a normal life.