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Experts Explain How Lifestyle Influences Diabetes and Warn of Risks Such as Diabetic Neuropathy and Diabetic Foot.
Diabetes and its direct relationship with lifestyle will be the central theme of the program “CNN Vital Signs – Dr. Kalil Interviews,” airing this Saturday (7) at 7:30 PM.
Cardiologist Dr. Roberto Kalil hosts specialists to discuss causes, risks, treatments, and prevention methods for the disease, which currently affects about 16.6 million adults in Brazil — equivalent to 10.6% of the adult population, according to the Diabetes Atlas 2025 from the International Diabetes Federation.
The debate takes place in the studio, with clinical and scientific analysis accessible to the public.
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The goal is to raise awareness about avoidable factors and encourage lifestyle changes.
Right at the opening of the program, the guests emphasize that despite the high incidence, diabetes can be prevented or managed with consistent lifestyle adjustments.
Balanced diet, regular physical activity, and weight control are highlighted as fundamental pillars.
Experts Detail Causes and Progression of Diabetes
Joining the interview are endocrinologists Sharon Nina Admoni and Priscilla Cukier, both members of the Diabetes Group of the Endocrinology Service of the Hospital das Clínicas of the Faculty of Medicine of USP.
Sharon also coordinates the Diabetic Foot Clinic at the institution.
During the conversation, the specialists delve into the metabolic origins of the disease.
They explain that type 2 diabetes — the most common type — is strongly associated with contemporary lifestyle, characterized by physical inactivity, highly processed food consumption, and progressive weight gain.
Moreover, they highlight that late diagnosis remains one of the main challenges.
Many people live for years with elevated blood glucose levels without clear symptoms, which accelerates silent complications.
Abdominal Circumference Emerges as a Warning Sign
One of the main points emphasized in the debate is abdominal circumference as an indicator of metabolic risk.
The accumulation of visceral fat — concentrated in the abdominal area — is directly linked to insulin resistance.
According to the specialists, the larger the abdominal circumference, the greater the likelihood of developing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Therefore, this measurement is clinically used as a simple screening tool.
Thus, lifestyle changes aimed at reducing this central fat have a direct impact on disease prevention.
Serious Complications Worry Doctors
Another focus of the program addresses the chronic complications of uncontrolled diabetes. Among them, diabetic neuropathy stands out.
This condition occurs when elevated glucose levels damage peripheral nerves, causing numbness, pain, tingling, and loss of sensitivity — primarily in the feet and legs.
Over time, this increases the risk of unnoticed injuries.
In this context, one of the most severe complications emerges: diabetic foot.
Diabetic Foot Can Lead to Death Within Five Years
Sharon Nina Admoni explains that diabetic foot involves infections, ulcers, and destruction of deep tissues associated with diabetic neuropathy and poor circulation.
Without appropriate treatment, the condition can progress to amputations.
In extreme cases, systemic infections elevate the risk of mortality.
The specialists warn that patients with advanced diabetic foot may have a significantly reduced life expectancy, with a risk of death within five years when there is no effective clinical control.
Treatments Have Evolved, but Prevention Is Still the Best Path
During the program, the current therapeutic options are also presented.
Modern medications, long-lasting insulins, and continuous glucose monitoring technologies have improved disease control.
However, the doctors are unanimous: no therapy replaces healthy habits.
Balanced diet, adequate sleep, stress reduction, and regular physical activity remain the basis of treatment.
Therefore, lifestyle continues to be both a risk factor and a protective tool.
Awareness Is Essential to Halt the Progression of Diabetes
With millions of Brazilians affected, public discussion about diabetes becomes strategic.
Educational programs and access to information aid in early diagnosis and treatment adherence.
Moreover, understanding signs such as increased abdominal circumference or diabetic neuropathy symptoms can prompt timely medical interventions.
This way, specialists advocate that prevention, health education, and continuous monitoring are the most effective means to contain the disease’s progression in the country.
See more at: Dr. Kalil and Experts Explain the Relationship Between Lifestyle and Diabetes | CNN Brasil
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