Dr. Al-Zahri answers questions about diabetes, its effects, and its relationship to the coronavirus.

Consultant of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes

Interviewed by: Manar Zawahra – Amman

Why is diabetes the most common disease?

The main causes of diabetes are lifestyle changes. Life used to involve manual labor and walking, but modern lifestyles are more sedentary. This shift has contributed to increased obesity rates, which in turn leads to a higher incidence of diabetes.

Is diabetes hereditary?

Hereditary diabetes usually occurs in older people. In juvenile diabetes (Type 1), heredity plays a smaller role. Genetic factors have remained stable over the years, but lifestyle changes and rising obesity rates are major contributors to the disease, especially in developing countries and urban areas.

Does eating sugar cause diabetes?

The main factor is overall sugar and carbohydrate intake, which contributes to obesity. Fast food and lack of exercise also play a role. Diabetes may also result from autoimmune causes in thin individuals (Type 1), where insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed.

Radical solutions for diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin injections. Modern solutions include:

  • Pen-shaped insulin injections for convenience.
  • Insulin pumps that automatically adjust doses based on blood sugar levels.
  • Beta cell or pancreas transplantation (currently limited to patients undergoing kidney transplants).
  • Stem cell and beta cell transplantation (still in research phase).

Do sadness and anger affect diabetes?

Daily sadness does not cause diabetes. Extreme stress may trigger symptoms in people predisposed to high blood sugar, making it appear as though sadness caused the condition.

Coronavirus and diabetes

Infections like COVID-19 can worsen blood sugar control in diabetics and increase susceptibility to complications.

Diet and exercise

Diet and physical activity are crucial in managing diabetes. Food type, timing, and calorie expenditure all influence disease control.

Complications of diabetes

  • Eyes: Leading cause of vision loss.
  • Heart: Closely linked to atherosclerosis; over two-thirds of deaths in diabetics are cardiovascular.
  • Kidneys: About 50% of kidney failure cases are due to diabetes.
  • Diabetic foot: Prevention is key; following guidelines reduces amputation risk by half.

Can diabetes be cured?

Some cases are reversible, especially with weight loss. For example, a person weighing 150 kg with diabetes may recover after reducing weight to 80 kg, if their insulin production is sufficient for the lower weight.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Zahri