Diabète et hypertension : Face à l'urgence des "tueurs silencieux"
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are no longer the preserve of developed countries. In Africa, diabetes and high blood pressure are progressing rapidly, acting as "silent killers".
Dr. Nikumana Soudi, a Merck Foundation fellow, presented an alarming assessment of the current situation while proposing concrete solutions to reverse the trend. This presentation was delivered as part of a webinar for the media.
Diabetes: A metabolic threat for all ages
Dr. Soudi defines diabetes as an insulin deficiency that allows sugar to accumulate in the blood, damaging every organ from head to toe. He distinguishes three main types: type 1 (often in children), type 2 (related to lifestyle, accounting for 80% of cases), and gestational diabetes, linked to pregnancy.
Furthermore, the expert urges the public not to ignore the warning signs. These include, among others, persistent thirst (polydipsia), frequent nighttime urination (polyuria), intense fatigue, and blurred vision. He specifies that "without treatment, the complications are serious and include stroke, blindness, kidney failure requiring dialysis, and even amputations due to wounds that do not heal."
High blood pressure: The evil twin
High blood pressure (hypertension) often accompanies diabetes. Dr. Soudi defines it as "a constant blood pressure exceeding 140/90 mmHg. The danger lies in its asymptomatic nature; a person can feel perfectly healthy while having blood vessels on the verge of rupturing."
Some factors cannot be changed (age, genetics), but the majority of risks are modifiable. Dr. Soudi points to "the modern diet, too rich in salt and saturated fats, as well as a sedentary lifestyle."
The "recipe" for longevity: diet and activity
To combat these scourges, Dr. Soudi proposes a simple strategy based on behavior change.
"For nutrition, it's important to favor green foods (vegetable oils, avocados, vegetables) and drastically limit red foods (simple sugars, sodas, cakes, butter). Salt intake should not exceed 5g per day to protect blood pressure. 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (30 minutes per day) significantly reduces the risks. Medical adherence—taking medication as prescribed, even in the absence of symptoms—is vital to avoid severe attacks."
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