Diabetes

Diabetes is the most common metabolic disease in Finland: about 500,000 Finns have type 2 diabetes and about 50,000 have type 1 diabetes. In addition, it is estimated that more than 100,000 Finns have type 2 diabetes without knowing it. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas stops producing insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the effect of insulin is reduced, and risk factors include excess weight, physical inactivity and hereditary predisposition.

Diagnosis is based on blood tests: fasting blood glucose or HbA1c. Untreated diabetes can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage and eye changes. Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin, while type 2 diabetes is treated primarily with lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication. A nutrition therapist and an internist are key members of the care team.