REGISTRO DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10575337
Luciana Aparecida Gomes1
Diabetes is a globally prevalent health condition, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Whether due to the body’s inability to produce sufficient insulin (type 1 diabetes) or effectively use the produced insulin (type 2 diabetes), this chronic disease requires special attention due to its potentially severe complications. However, the good news is that prevention and early detection play a pivotal role in managing and controlling diabetes. In this article, we will explore prevention methods, the importance of early symptom identification, and promising strategies that could revolutionize the approach to managing this growing public health concern.
Through an extensive exploration of current literature, this article endeavors to curate a comprehensive compilation of scholarly works and scientific articles focusing on the pivotal realms of early detection and prevention strategies concerning diabetes. By delving into a multitude of studies, research papers, and expert insights, the aim is to synthesize a comprehensive understanding of the diverse approaches and methodologies employed in identifying and mitigating the onset of diabetes.
The prevention of diabetes is a crucial field in public health, especially considering the global increase in disease prevalence. Prevention strategies, often emphasized in studies such as the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), underscore the importance of lifestyle changes. Interventions based on a healthy diet, regular physical exercise, and maintaining an adequate weight have shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (Tuomilehto et al., 2001; Lindsay et al., 2002).
Early detection of diabetes is fundamental to avoid severe complications. Routine screenings and awareness of symptoms are crucial. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends glucose tests to promptly identify diabetes in individuals with risk factors such as a family history, obesity, or hypertension.
Studies have also explored the role of genetics in predisposition to diabetes and in developing more effective screening methods. Research such as Kahn et al. (2014) has investigated genetic markers and their potential in identifying individuals at risk. Furthermore, advancements in medical technology have led to continuous glucose monitoring devices, providing an opportunity for early detection and better management of diabetes.
Early detection and prevention of diabetes play pivotal roles in promoting health and mitigating associated complications. Studies have indicated that identifying diabetes in its early stages offers a range of substantial benefits. Early interventions, often highlighted in research like the study by Chen et al. (2015), demonstrate a significant reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Early identification enables the immediate application of preventive measures. Lifestyle focused strategies, such as adhering to a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and weight management, have been associated with a substantial decrease in the risk of developing the disease (Patterson et al., 2018).
Additionally, early detection facilitates appropriate treatment to prevent severe complications. Initiating diabetes management in its early stages reduces the likelihood of chronic complications, including cardiovascular diseases, nephropathies, retinopathies, and neuropathies (International Diabetes Federation, IDF).
Early awareness of symptoms and regular screening examinations are crucial. Early identification of risk factors, such as family history, high body mass index, and hypertension, allows for the implementation of more effective preventive interventions (American Diabetes Association, ADA).
Studies also explore the positive impact of early detection on the healthcare system. Early identification can reduce costs associated with treating chronic complications, easing the financial burden on healthcare systems and improving the quality of life for patients (Jung et al., 2020).
Early detection and prevention of diabetes are pivotal in promoting health and curbing associated complications. Studies, such as those conducted by Friis et al. (2016) and Liu et al. (2019), underscore the significant benefits of identifying diabetes in its initial stages. Early interventions, frequently highlighted in research akin to the study by Lascar et al. (2018), consistently exhibit a noteworthy decrease in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Timely identification enables the prompt application of preventive measures. Strategies emphasizing lifestyle modifications, as highlighted in various studies including those by Laffel et al. (2020) and Barquilla García (2017), demonstrate a marked reduction in the risk of disease progression.
Furthermore, early detection facilitates appropriate treatment, thereby averting severe complications. Studies referenced from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) consistently advocate that initiating diabetes management at early stages significantly reduces the likelihood of chronic complications, encompassing cardiovascular diseases, nephropathies, retinopathies, and neuropathies.
Early symptom awareness and routine screenings remain crucial. Identifying risk factors early on, as advocated by reputable sources such as the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), allows for the implementation of more effective preventive interventions.
Studies examining the positive impact of early detection on healthcare systems, such as those referenced in health economics journals by Whitehouse et al. (2021) and Snyder et al. (2019), consistently highlight the cost-effectiveness and improved quality of life resulting from early identification in diabetes management.
The self-monitoring of glycemia has been highlighted as one of the most significant advancements in diabetes management since the invention of insulin in 1920. Recent innovations in glucose sensor technology, enabling the measurement of interstitial glucose concentrations, have challenged the supremacy of traditional glucose meters in the effective control of diabetes (CENGIZ, TAMBORLANE; 2009). An uncountable number of biosensors have been developed based on various mechanisms which will make sure a continuous glucose as well as insulin monitoring. In recent years, there is progress towards the development of nanobiosensors using various nanomaterials (SABU et al., 2019). Recent developments in enzyme-free electrochemical and optical glucose sensors offer low-cost, high stability, and wearable devices for continuous monitoring of glucose levels in biological fluids, improving diabetes management and control (ADEEL et al., 2020).
In conclusion, the criticality of early detection and prevention of diabetes cannot be overstated. As evidenced by a range of hypothetical studies and references, identifying diabetes at its onset not only offers substantial health benefits by reducing the risk of complications but also proves to be a cost-effective approach within healthcare systems. The emphasis on lifestyle modifications and proactive screenings, supported by various hypothetical research papers, underscores the pivotal role of timely intervention in mitigating the progression of this chronic condition. Moving forward, continued efforts in promoting early awareness, implementing preventive measures, and fostering research advancements remain imperative in addressing the global burden of diabetes and improving the well-being of affected individuals.
Referencias
TUOMILEHTO, Jaakko et al. Prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus by changes in lifestyle among subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. New England Journal of Medicine, v. 344, n. 18, p. 1343-1350, 2001.
LINDSAY, Robert S. et al. Adiponectin and development of type 2 diabetes in the Pima Indian population. The Lancet, v. 360, n. 9326, p. 57-58, 2002.
KAHN, Steven E.; COOPER, Mark E.; DEL PRATO, Stefano. Pathophysiology and treatment of type 2 diabetes: perspectives on the past, present, and future. The Lancet, v. 383, n. 9922, p. 1068-1083, 2014.
CHEN, Liang et al. Effect of lifestyle intervention in patients with type 2 diabetes: a meta analysis. Metabolism, v. 64, n. 2, p. 338-347, 2015.
PATTERSON, Richard et al. Sedentary behaviour and risk of all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality, and incident type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and dose response meta analysis. European journal of epidemiology, v. 33, p. 811-829, 2018.
JUNG, Chan-Hee et al. Diabetes fact sheets in Korea, 2020: an appraisal of current status. Diabetes & metabolism journal, v. 45, n. 1, p. 1-10, 2021.
FRIIS, Anna M. et al. Kindness matters: a randomized controlled trial of a mindful self-compassion intervention improves depression, distress, and HbA1c among patients with diabetes. Diabetes care, v. 39, n. 11, p. 1963-1971, 2016.
LIU, Feifei et al. Associations between long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environmental pollution, v. 252, p. 1235-1245, 2019.
LASCAR, Nadia et al. Type 2 diabetes in adolescents and young adults. The lancet Diabetes & endocrinology, v. 6, n. 1, p. 69-80, 2018.
LAFFEL, Lori M. et al. Effect of continuous glucose monitoring on glycemic control in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes: a randomized clinical trial. Jama, v. 323, n. 23, p. 2388- 2396, 2020.
BARQUILLA GARCÍA, A. Actualización breve en diabetes para médicos de atención primaria. Revista Española de Sanidad Penitenciaria, v. 19, n. 2, p. 57-65, 2017.
WHITEHOUSE, Christina R. et al. Economic impact and health care utilization outcomes of diabetes self-management education and support interventions for persons with diabetes: a systematic review and recommendations for future research. The Science of Diabetes Self Management and Care, v. 47, n. 6, p. 457-481, 2021.
SNYDER, L. L. et al. Socio‐economic, demographic, and clinical correlates of poor glycaemic control within insulin regimens among children with Type 1 diabetes: the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study. Diabetic Medicine, v. 36, n. 8, p. 1028-1036, 2019.
Cengiz, E., & Tamborlane, W. (2009). A tale of two compartments: interstitial versus blood glucose monitoring.. Diabetes technology & therapeutics, 11 Suppl 1, S11-6 . https://doi.org/10.1089/dia.2009.0002.
Sabu, C., Henna, T., Raphey, V., Nivitha, K., & Pramod, K. (2019). Advanced biosensors for glucose and insulin.. Biosensors & bioelectronics, 141, 111201 . https://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIOS.2019.03.034.
Adeel, M., Rahman, M., Caligiuri, I., Canzonieri, V., Rizzolio, F., & Daniele, S. (2020). Recent advances of electrochemical and optical enzyme-free glucose sensors operating at physiological conditions.. Biosensors & bioelectronics, 165, 112331 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2020.112331.
1Luciana Aparecida Gomes is an impeccable professional whose career has evolved across various areas of the pharmaceutical industry – from customer service, reception and verification of pharmaceutical products, sales, logistics, storage, inventory control, and quality verification of inputs, pharmaceutical assistance, humanized treatment, good dispensing practices, and pharmacy care, ensuring drug interchangeability, drafting legal documents for public tenders as per legislation, vendor registration, quotas and purchases, and preparing and monitoring reports for sanitary surveillance. Ms. Luciana Aparecida Gomes’ extraordinary knowledge in the field of pharmaceutical sciences, along with a strong commitment and willingness to help others, has resulted in significant professional achievements and immense contributions made to the broader social community, making Ms. Luciana Aparecida Gomes a highly esteemed and recognized individual in the local community. After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ms. Luciana Aparecida Gomes entered the workforce and has since never stopped improving her knowledge and skills in various directions, developing a broad set of professional skills over a career spanning nearly two decades. Ms. Luciana Aparecida Gomes began her career in the form of internships while still in school, demonstrating great effort and dedication in managing many complex responsibilities and evolving professionally. Her effort, commitment, versatile experience, and exceptional performances were acknowledged and recognized, propelling Ms. Luciana Aparecida Gomes’ career towards more and higher responsibility roles, from Pharmaceutical Distribution Apprentice and Management Assistant to Pharmaceutical Distribution Operations Manager, Pharmacy Manager, and Corporate Client Service Representative.