According to the Korean Diabetes Association, 14.8% of adults over 30 were diagnosed with diabetes in 2022, but only 34.2% of patients maintained blood sugar levels below 6.5% HbA1c. These numbers reflect the widespread impact of the condition across the population.
Despite increased awareness, managing diabetes effectively remains a significant challenge. The Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service reports a 19% increase in diabetes cases over the past five years, with the number of patients rising from 3.2 million in 2019 to 3.8 million in 2022.
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where the body struggles to utilize food properly, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. While the exact cause is still unclear, experts believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors plays a role.
Dr. Shin Dong Hyun, Chief of Endocrinology at Bundang Jesaeng Hospital, explains, “Genetic factors account for less than 1% of diabetes cases. For the majority of patients, the exact causative genes remain unknown.” He attributes the recent rise in diabetes largely to lifestyle factors such as excessive calorie intake and reduced physical activity, leading to obesity rather than genetic predisposition. Common symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, weight loss, and fatigue, though not all diabetics experience these signs.
Diabetes is diagnosed when fasting plasma glucose levels are 126 mg/dL or higher, when plasma glucose exceeds 200 mg/dL during a glucose tolerance test, or when HbA1c levels are 6.5% or higher.
Managing diabetes requires lifestyle changes, including improvements to diet and exercise, and may involve treatment with medications like oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to chronic severe complications.
Dr. Kim Yong Hyun, an endocrinologist at Bundang Jesaeng Hospital, warns, “Diabetes is often called a ticking time bomb because of its high mortality rate from complications. Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and strokes, account for 60-70% of deaths among diabetes patients.” He stresses the importance of a comprehensive approach, managing blood sugar levels and addressing factors like hypertension, cholesterol, smoking, and foot care.
Diabetic complications are classified into macrovascular and microvascular issues. Macrovascular complications, such as strokes and heart attacks, contribute significantly to the mortality rate. Microvascular complications include diabetic retinopathy, kidney disease, and diabetic nephropathy, which can lead to kidney failure. The risk of these complications increases as blood sugar levels exceed 126 mg/dL.
Dr. Ahn Kyu Jeong, Professor of Endocrinology at Gangdong Kyunghee University Hospital, warns, “The risk of complications increases after living with diabetes for over 15 years. Early intervention is crucial, as diabetes tends to worsen over time without proper management.” He advises maintaining HbA1c levels below 7%, blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg, and cholesterol levels within healthy ranges. Weight loss, a structured lifestyle, and a balanced diet are crucial to controlling blood sugar.
For people with diabetes, portion control and balanced nutrient intake are crucial to prevent rapid blood sugar spikes. A helpful strategy is to consume vegetables and protein first during meals, which promotes early satiety, reduces overall food intake, and moderates blood sugar levels. This also slows carbohydrate absorption, leading to a gradual rise in blood sugar and more stable insulin release. Additionally, limiting condiment use to reduce salt intake and focusing on the solid components of soups rather than the broth can further help manage blood sugar.
Preparing simple salad dressings with ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, and pepper is another way to support healthy eating habits for diabetes management.