Diabetes mellitus: Everything about the disease

The bold headline on the cover of the latest medical journal announces: In Germany alone, more than seven million people were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus in 2020 – approximately 90 percent of those affected suffer from so-called type 2 diabetes. Every day, doctors issue around 1,500 new diagnoses of pathologically altered blood sugar levels. And the trend is rising. In addition, there are the undiagnosed cases, as an estimated two million people are developing increasingly clear early signs and symptoms but are still unaware of their condition. Diabetes is one of the most common diseases and a growing problem, not only in Germany but worldwide. Do you want to know exactly what the term diabetes means, what the causes of this modern-day disease are, and what happens after an official diagnosis? Then you've come to the right place!

Most children with diabetes suffer from type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease – and this often begins at a young age. Type 2 diabetes is usually more common in older people, but an increasing number of children also have risk factors such as being overweight, lack of exercise, and an unhealthy diet and are developing the disease.

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes, also known as type 4 diabetes mellitus . Some women temporarily develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. This is due to the typical increased hormone levels during this time, but being overweight and having genetic factors also play a role. In most cases, the condition disappears after pregnancy.

Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually and is not always immediately noticeable. Therefore, it is advisable, especially for those at increased risk of developing diabetes, to undergo regular checkups. During these checkups, the doctor measures blood sugar levels . These blood sugar tests are repeated several times to ensure accuracy and reliability.

The course of the disease and life expectancy can be positively influenced with appropriate diabetes therapy . Regular check-ups with a doctor minimize the risk of accompanying and secondary diseases. A complete cure is usually not possible, but the disease can be significantly alleviated through these measures.

A question we frequently receive from the SHEKO community: Can people with diabetes, in good conscience, press the order button for a SHEKO package and drink their favorite shake ?

To answer this question, we consulted diabetes assistant Anja Schwinger . She has been conducting consultations and structured, certified training courses for people with type 2 diabetes for many years – and gives her patients SHEKO sample sachets to take with them.

In our interview about nutrition for people with diabetes, Anja Schwinger emphasizes the importance of dietary changes and achieving a healthy weight . Over 90% of her training participants are overweight on the day of their diagnosis. The goal of the therapy sessions is to learn a balanced diet that can be integrated into everyday life in the long term.

The diabetes assistant has found that formula diets can serve as a "kickstart" to a healthier life. She recommends that all patients who want to drink shakes long-term incorporate them into their meal plans as meal replacements or as a reward after exercise. Depending on the progression of the disease and the individual's cognitive abilities, Anja initially suggests that her patients replace their evening meal with a shake .

Anja Schwinger is a strong advocate against crash diets and in favor of a varied and healthy diet . The focus is primarily on the composition of foods and how much of each food the body actually needs to be properly nourished.

Anja is convinced that meal replacement products like the Balance Shakes can make it easier to achieve a healthy weight and positively influence the course of type 2 diabetes. With its perfectly balanced ingredients, every SHEKO Shake meets all the criteria of a healthy meal replacement .

Make sure your body weight is within a healthy range . Our calorie calculator can help you calculate your daily calorie needs. This way, you'll know exactly how much you can eat.

The best approach is to combine a sport that raises your heart rate (running, HIIT) with a sport that includes strengthening elements (weight training, Pilates).

Escalator or elevator? Not a chance. Climbing stairs keeps you fit and is good for your health.

Fill your plates with plenty of fruit and vegetables. The German Nutrition Society recommends five portions a day . How about a protein-rich smoothie bowl, combining plenty of protein with fresh berries?

Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods. These include not only fruits and vegetables, but also grain products such as whole-wheat bread and whole-wheat pasta.

When preparing your meals, use fat sparingly. Steaming, braising, and baking fresh foods usually require no additional fat.

Strolling past the supermarket shelf full of sugary drinks, you'll be amazed. These cloyingly sweet sodas are high in calories and cause blood sugar levels to spike.

The convenience food aisle is tempting, but high sugar consumption is harmful . Before you reach for pre-packaged snacks, grab your shaker and drink your favorite Balance Shake !