The blood sugar level of the human body is like a “health messenger”, constantly conveying important information to the body. When two different types of signals appear, they respectively indicate the improvement and deterioration of diabetes.
Understanding these signals is crucial for the health management of diabetic patients.When the condition of diabetes shows positive improvement, the body will send out a variety of clear signals. First of all, blood sugar levels have become more stable. Without adjusting the hypoglycemic regimen (including diet, exercise or drug treatment), the fluctuations in fasting and postprandial blood glucose were significantly reduced. For instance, in the past, fasting blood glucose was often as high as 8-9 mmol/L, and it even exceeded 10mmol/L after meals.
However, nowadays, fasting blood glucose has stabilized at 5-6 mmol/L, and it can also be controlled at 7-8 mmol/L after meals. Secondly, the decrease in the frequency of hypoglycemic attacks (accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations, hand tremors, and cold sweats) indicates that the ability of the islets to regulate blood sugar is gradually increasing. At the same time, the feeling of hunger was significantly reduced. Although the appetite remained unchanged, one could maintain a strong sense of hunger for 4 to 5 hours after a meal. This indicates that the efficiency of insulin utilization has improved, cells have taken up and utilized glucose more fully, and the body’s energy supply has become more stable.
Furthermore, if the doctor suggests reducing the dosage or even discontinuing the medication, this is undoubtedly a positive signal for the recovery of pancreatic islet function.However, when some abnormal changes occur, it is necessary to be vigilant about the deterioration of diabetes and the decline of pancreatic islet function. A sudden weight loss of more than 5% within three months is very likely due to uncontrolled blood sugar. The body is unable to utilize glucose normally and instead breaks down fat and muscle to obtain energy.
The fluctuation of blood glucose intensified, and the difference in blood glucose before and after meals significantly increased (such as expanding from 2mmol/L to 5mmol/L), reflecting the decline in the regulatory ability of the islets. Frequent hypoglycemic symptoms that occur twice or more per week may be caused by a mismatch between the drug dosage and the function of the islets, or by a disorder of insulin secretion from the islets. The continuous increase of fasting blood glucose in the early morning for several consecutive days indicates the decline of pancreatic β -cell function and insufficient secretion of basal insulin. Other signs of deterioration include: slow wound healing, which is because high blood sugar affects blood circulation and the immune system; Blurred vision and fluctuations in blood sugar can cause temporary edema of the lens, and long-term hyperglycemia is more likely to trigger retinopathy.
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet are early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy caused by long-term high blood sugar damaging the nerves.To scientifically restore pancreatic islet function, patients can adhere to five effective methods. For newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients with glycated hemoglobin ≥9.0% or fasting blood glucose ≥11.1mmol/L, short-term intensive insulin therapy for 2 to 3 weeks can be administered to relieve the toxicity of hyperglycemia and facilitate the partial recovery of pancreatic islet function. In terms of diet, keep each meal about 70% to 80% full to avoid overeating, which may increase the burden on the pancreas and reduce a sharp rise in blood sugar after meals. Adhere to a low-fat diet, with daily edible oil intake not exceeding 25-30 grams (2-3 tablespoons), limit the intake of fried foods and animal offal, and reduce the damage of free fatty acids to pancreatic beta cells. Obese diabetic patients who can lose 5% to 10% of their body weight can significantly improve insulin resistance and reduce pancreatic fat deposition.
At the same time, it is essential to strictly abstain from alcohol, as alcohol can directly damage pancreatic islet cells. Long-term drinking may also induce fatty liver and accelerate the progression of diabetes.
Blood sugar control is a “protracted battle”, and subtle changes in the body are the most genuine feedback. When there are signs of improvement in the condition, patients should continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Once signs of deterioration are detected, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly and adjust the treatment plan. Protecting the function of the islets is to safeguard the body’s “blood sugar regulation center”.
