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Romania has recently been facing a worrying phenomenon: drugs for diabetes are being used more and more off-label, for weight loss.
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition. It affects millions of people worldwide. 537 million adults between the ages of 20 and 79 are diagnosed with diabetes, which means about one person in 10. In the case of underdeveloped or middle-developed countries, the situation is even more worrying. More than 3 out of 4 adults are diagnosed with this condition. And the numbers are growing worldwide.
Adequate control of diabetes is essential to prevent serious complications. Managing diabetes involves therapeutic approaches, such as drug treatment, but also non-therapeutic approaches, such as lifestyle changes. Following the therapeutic indications, as well as the non-therapeutic measures, proved extremely effective, leading to the improvement of the patients’ quality of life.
Medicines prescribed by a doctor only
Drug treatment plays a vital role in maintaining normal blood glucose levels. Insulin and oral antidiabetic drugs are used to help regulate blood sugar. It is important that these drugs are prescribed by the specialist and administered as directed, to avoid dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar and to know how to manage their possible side effects.
Medicines for diabetes, used for weight loss
Recently, in Romania, we are facing a situation that has never existed before at such a level. It is about the use by people who are not diagnosed with diabetes of drugs that are approved in our country for the treatment of this condition. These, through their mechanism of action, also lead to rapid weight loss. This practice is a particularly dangerous one.
The administration of these drugs must be carried out strictly on the recommendation of the specialist doctor. In addition, the issue of ethics also arose. Patients who follow treatment correctly with the respective anti-diabetic drug were left without treatment because not enough quantities were imported, the amount allocated to our country being the one calculated only for patients with diabetes and not for those who use the off-label drug. Namely for weight loss.
Prevention, education and support
Eating a balanced diet and controlling food portions are essential in managing diabetes. Predominant consumption of fiber, complex carbohydrates and lean protein can help keep blood sugar within normal limits. Regular exercise, such as walking or swimming, can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.
Patient education and support from family and health professionals are critical to diabetes management. Understanding the condition, treatment and lifestyle effects can help patients make informed decisions and cope with challenges. Also, regular self-monitoring of blood glucose is crucial to follow the evolution of health status and treatment regimen.
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The quality of life of patients with diabetes can be improved
Managing diabetes requires a complex approach that combines drug treatment with lifestyle changes. Adequate blood glucose control, adherence to treatment, and ongoing education can help maintain health and prevent complications associated with diabetes. By promoting prevention and appropriate care, we can improve the quality of life of people with diabetes and, implicitly, of the entire community.
Valentina Ghimpau
Health from Primary Pharmacist,
Thank you for reading me again!
2023-08-17 02:10:00
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