There are about 589 million (1.31 billion by 2050) adults with Type 2 diabetes around the world, 40 million (projection: 76-100 million by 2050) in the United States, and 4.7 million (projected to be 8.6 million by 2050) in the Philippines. There are almost 43 percent globally who are still undiagnosed, walking around with this metabolic disease, unaware, while the disease and its complications get worse.
Among those who are 20 years old and younger, there are 1.2-1.8 million globally who have Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and 352-364 thousand in the USA; no available statistics for the Philippines.
Serious complications
Type 2 Diabetes can result in acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) complications, basically damaging blood vessels and nerves all over the body, damaging various organs by narrowing/blocking tiny blood vessels, like in the eyes (blindness), brain (stroke), kidney failure needing dialysis, foot ulcer/gangrene (amputation), bladder and sexual dysfunction.
T2D can be prevented
T2 Diabetes is a horrible, devastating disease if not treated early before complications start. If diagnosed early, one can look (appear totally) healthy and live a basically normal life, some by simply taking a pill, like Metformin, daily; others with insulin. With proper diet, discipline, and healthy behavior (no alcohol, no tobacco, consciously/consistently minimizing carbohydrates, like rice and wonderful sweets, unfortunately, and poisonous soft drinks, walking exercise daily), a diabetic can be fully active, successful in their career, travel, and enjoy life like normal. But it requires personal discipline and sacrifices. But the gains in health are worth the effort, hard work, and pain.
Best foods for diabetics
“Many different foods can help control or lower your blood sugar when you have diabetes. Consider adding these wholesome picks (in reasonable portion sizes) to your plate:
· non-starchy vegetables: asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, eggplant, leafy greens, mushrooms, peppers, summer squash, tomatoes, and zucchini
· lean protein: beans, eggs, fish and shellfish, lean poultry, lean red meat (like sirloin or flank steak), lentils, reduced-fat cheese, and soy foods (like tofu and tempeh)
· fresh fruit: apples, apricots, bananas, berries, melon, oranges, peaches, and pears
· whole grains and starchy vegetables: whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, sweet potatoes, skin-on white potatoes, winter squash, peas, and corn
· Greek yogurt, cottage cheese
· healthy fats: olive oil and olives, avocado, nuts, and seeds
· water and unsweetened drinks.”
Complex carbs vs. refined carbs
“The type of carbohydrates you eat can have a big effect on your blood sugar. Refined or simple carbs get broken down into glucose quickly. They cause a rapid spike in blood glucose levels, which can make it harder to control your diabetes. Foods high in refined carbs include white bread, white pasta, white rice, soda, fruit juice, baked goods, candy, and other foods high in added sugars.
“Complex carbohydrates help control your blood sugar. They contain fiber, so they’re broken down at a slower rate. As a result, they have less of an effect on your blood glucose. Foods high in complex carbs include whole grains such as whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, and quinoa, as well as beans and other legumes, and starchy vegetables (like corn, sweet potatoes, and peas).”
Sample diabetes meal plan
“The best diabetes eating plan is one that you enjoy, and that fits with your lifestyle. Consider choosing from options like the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, or another plant-based or low-carbohydrate diet.
“You can find helpful meal planning guides and sample recipes at the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Food Hub. Many of these meals use the Diabetes Plate method, in which you divide your plate into three balanced sections:
· non-starchy vegetables on 50% of your plate
· complex carbohydrates on 25% of your plate
· lean protein on 25% of your plate.
“Here are some examples of combinations that you might prepare under the Diabetes Plate method:
· turkey meatloaf with a mixed green salad and quinoa
· baked salmon with sautéed garlicky greens and a sweet potato
· tofu and bell pepper stir-fry with brown rice
· roasted skinless chicken with air-fried baby potatoes and cauliflower florets
· lentil soup with kale, diced tomatoes, and chopped sweet potato. – Medpage
Wonder drug SGLP-1
Thanks to brilliant scientists and trailblazers, a wonderful friend of those who are struggling with weight and T2 diabetes, SGLP-1 class drug was discovered. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) acts by mimicking a natural gut hormone that stimulates insulin secretion, slows down stomach emptying, and curbs the appetite/signal fullness (satiety) to the brain so we stop eating. Those actions help treat diabetes and overweight.
SGLP-1 was first in clinical use in April 2019 in Europe, and on May 26 (my birthday!) 2023, it was introduced in the United States. Since then, 100 million people are on GLP-1 drugs, with great clinical results. More than those two avenues of benefit from this class of drugs, clinicians have found added health and wellness benefits to various organs (brain, heart, liver, kidneys, etc.) from these drugs.
Complications from GLP-1
There is no drug in the world, including aspirin, our 129-year-old friend since August 10, 1897, that does not have potential side effects. For GLP-1, some of the common side effects are: nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach pains, diarrhea, and constipation, which happen when starting the drug or when increasing the dose. Some of the more serious complications, which are reported as rare, with an incidence of less than 1- 2 percent, include gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), acute pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, inflammation of the gallbladder, kidney injuries, worsening retinopathy, and thyroid cancer (extremely rare).
The benefits from SGLP-1 drugs massively outweigh the side effects and possible complications from them.
Metaphorically, T2 Diabetes Mellitus is like a man-eating tiger, but when detected early and handled properly, it can be tamed like a pet, to allow diabetics and those overweight (to trim down safely) to enjoy this fabulous world and a wonderful life.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, conferred by then Indiana Governor, later Senator, and then presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States.
