Diabetes mellitus

Author: K. Zbinden

Definition

What is diabetes?

Diabetes—medically, diabetes mellitus—is a chronic metabolic disease also known as “sugar disease.” In diabetes mellitus, the regulation of blood sugar levels is impaired, which can lead to persistently elevated blood glucose levels. The cause is either a lack of insulin or a reduced effect of insulin in the body, known as insulin resistance. Insulin is a vital hormone that ensures sugar is absorbed from the blood into the body’s cells, where it can be used as energy. According to the common definition of diabetes mellitus, different forms of diabetes are distinguished. The most important are:

• ◉ Type 1 diabetes: Usually occurs suddenly, often in childhood or adolescence. Here, the immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Those affected depend on insulin to regulate blood sugar.
• ◉ Type 2 diabetes: Often develops gradually over years, especially with obesity, lack of exercise or genetic predisposition. In type 2 diabetes, insulin and blood sugar regulation work less effectively (insulin resistance).
• ◉ Age-related diabetes: Common in older people, closely related to type 2 diabetes. It arises due to age-related metabolic changes, often combined with obesity or physical inactivity.

Regardless of the diabetes type, diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects the entire metabolism. Untreated or poorly controlled diabetes can lead to long-term health problems such as diabetic foot, nerve damage or cardiovascular disease. This makes it clear that it is a serious complication. Therefore, early diabetes diagnosis is important. Initial signs of diabetes should therefore be taken seriously.

Causes of diabetes

The development of diabetes mellitus has different causes that differ significantly depending on the type of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is predominantly an autoimmune disease. In this case, the immune system mistakenly targets the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Since insulin is necessary for the absorption of sugar from the blood into the body’s cells, destruction of these cells leads to an absolute insulin deficiency and persistently elevated blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, usually develops gradually and is closely associated with metabolic disorders. A central role is played by so-called insulin resistance: the body’s cells respond increasingly poorly to insulin, so that sugar is no longer sufficiently absorbed from the blood. To compensate for this effect, the pancreas initially produces more insulin, which over time overloads it. Excess weight, especially visceral fat tissue, intensifies this process because fat cells release pro-inflammatory messenger substances that further inhibit insulin action. Genetic factors influence the risk for both forms of diabetes. People with diabetes in the family have an increased risk of developing the disease because certain genetic predispositions can impair both insulin production and insulin action. However, genetic predisposition alone usually does not lead to the disease; rather, it mainly exerts its effect in combination with unfavorable lifestyle factors.

Among the most important modifiable main causes of diabetes mellitus are an unbalanced diet high in sugar and fat, lack of physical activity, as well as chronic stress and sleep deprivation. Lack of physical activity reduces glucose consumption by the muscles and worsens the insulin sensitivity of the cells, causing blood sugar levels to rise over the long term. Chronic stress and insufficient sleep also promote the release of stress hormones such as cortisol, which increase blood sugar and weaken insulin action.

Other contributing factors include hormonal changes, high blood pressure and disorders of lipid metabolism. These conditions are often closely interrelated with insulin resistance and intensify metabolic dysregulation. Taken together, these factors can promote the development of “sugar disease.” A good understanding of the causes helps to recognize early symptoms of diabetes in time and, in particular, to actively counteract the development of type 2 diabetes symptoms.

Symptoms of diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes mellitus can vary widely and depend on the type of diabetes as well as the duration and severity of the disease. Early signs of diabetes often develop gradually, especially in type 2 diabetes, whereas type 1 diabetes often begins suddenly and more severely. A clear diabetes diagnosis should always be made by a physician. For clarification, blood tests such as a diabetes test, measurements of blood sugar levels and other laboratory values are used. The most common diabetes symptoms are listed below. It is important to note that the list is not exhaustive and atypical symptoms of diabetes mellitus may also occur:

• ◉ Increased thirst: High need for fluids due to elevated blood sugar, which dehydrates the body.
• ◉ Frequent urination: The kidneys excrete excess sugar, leading to increased urine output.
• ◉ Increased fatigue and exhaustion: Sugar does not effectively reach the cells, resulting in lack of energy.
• ◉ Unexplained weight loss: Especially in type 1 diabetes, the body may lose weight despite normal or increased food intake.
• ◉ Visual disturbances: Fluctuating diabetes values can affect the lens of the eye, causing blurred vision.
• ◉ Slow wound healing: Diabetics are prone to infections because high blood sugar delays healing.
• ◉ Recurring infections: Frequent urinary tract, skin or fungal infections.
• ◉ Tingling, numbness or pain in hands and feet: Signs of nerve damage (polyneuropathy) in long-standing diabetes mellitus.
• ◉ Diabetic foot: Changes in the feet such as pressure points, open areas, wounds or infections caused by reduced sensitivity, circulatory disorders and nerve damage. This can become a serious complication if not recognized and treated early.
• ◉ Skin changes: Dry, itchy or discolored skin, especially on feet and legs.
• ◉ Gastrointestinal complaints: Nausea, vomiting or digestive problems may occur.
• ◉ Increased susceptibility to infections: Recurring infections due to impairment of the immune system in diabetics.
• ◉ Itching, especially in the genital or anal area: Elevated sugar levels can lead to fungal infections and skin irritation.
• ◉ Sensitivity to cold or heat: Altered temperature sensations due to circulatory disorders and nerve damage.
• ◉ Tendency to cramps or muscle weakness: Especially in the legs and feet, often as a result of nerve damage.
• ◉ Dizziness or lightheadedness: May occur when blood sugar fluctuates strongly or is too low (hypoglycemia).
• ◉ Irritability or concentration problems: Fluctuating diabetes values directly affect the nervous system and performance.

Early recognition of diabetes symptoms is crucial in order to prevent consequences of diabetes such as nerve damage, eye disease or cardiovascular problems.

Conventional therapies – what helps with diabetes

Conventional therapy for diabetes mellitus pursues several goals: keeping blood sugar stable, relieving diabetes symptoms, avoiding consequences of diabetes and improving the quality of life of diabetics. Various measures are usually combined to achieve an optimal result. Medical advice is important in order to tailor the appropriate therapy individually.

• ◉ Treatment of the underlying disease: Especially with type 1 diabetes, lifelong insulin therapy is necessary; with type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes, medications or insulin are primarily used to control blood sugar.
• ◉ Drug therapy: This includes oral antidiabetic drugs (e.g., metformin, sulfonylureas) or insulin to regulate diabetes values long-term.
• ◉ Blood sugar self-monitoring: Regular measurement helps diabetics monitor diabetes values and make therapy adjustments.
• ◉ Nutritional optimization: A balanced diet with reduced sugar and fat stabilizes blood sugar and supports weight management.
• ◉ Weight management: Especially in type 2 diabetes, a healthy body weight helps reduce insulin resistance.
• ◉ Exercise training: Regular physical activity such as walking, cycling or swimming improves metabolism, blood sugar and cardiovascular health.
• ◉ Education and counseling: Diabetes education helps recognize symptoms of diabetes and organize everyday life accordingly.
• ◉ Foot care (podiatry): Regular checks and care of the feet, especially with diabetic foot, to avoid injuries and subsequent infections.
• ◉ Blood pressure and cholesterol control: Prevention of cardiovascular diseases, which occur more frequently in diabetics.
• ◉ Eye exams: Regular examinations for early detection of diabetic retinopathy.
• ◉ Monitoring kidney function: With “sugar disease,” there is an increased risk of kidney disease. Early tests help prevent secondary damage.
• ◉ Drug therapy for comorbidities: Antihypertensives, cholesterol-lowering drugs or anticoagulants may be necessary for diabetics.
• ◉ Psychological support: Counseling, relaxation techniques or therapy help make it easier to cope with chronic illness and lifestyle changes.
• ◉ Regular check-ups: Medical examinations monitor diabetes values, detect diabetes symptoms early and adjust therapy.

How kybun works – what helps with diabetes

kybun shoes help with diabetes through the following mechanisms:

• ◉ Promoting movement and reducing sedentary behavior

  Regular physical activity is a key component in managing type 2 diabetes. kybun shoes and the kybun mat relieve the musculoskeletal system, alleviate possible discomfort and thereby promote enjoyment of and motivation for movement. Dynamic standing and walking on kybun material continuously activates the muscles, improves circulation and trains body awareness. At the same time, it reduces sitting time—an important factor in influencing insulin resistance, obesity and type 2 diabetes symptoms. Gentle activation of the deep muscles in the legs, feet and core supports posture and balance, promotes standing and gait stability and helps prevent muscular imbalances that can occur with long-standing “sugar disease.”

• ◉ Activation and strengthening of the muscles

  The elastic, springy sole activates the muscles while walking and standing in a gentle but sustainable way. In particular, the deep muscles in the feet, legs, pelvis and core are trained, which is crucial for stability, posture and movement coordination. This continuous activation strengthens the muscles, reduces muscular imbalances and supports foot health, which is particularly at risk in diabetics. At the same time, body awareness is trained, improving standing and gait stability and reducing protective postures that often develop due to sensory disturbances or diabetes symptoms.
  In addition, regular activation of the muscles has a positive effect on metabolism. Muscles consume energy and support glucose uptake from the blood. This can help stabilize blood sugar levels and improve insulin action. Especially in people with diabetes or insulin resistance, gentle but continuous muscle movement has a supportive effect on glucose regulation.

Balance and EMG

Balance ability was measured with a force plate by tracking the movement of the body’s center of pressure from front to back (ant-post) and side to side (med-lat) while standing. In parallel, electromyography (EMG) recorded muscular activity.

• ◉ Optimized pressure distribution

  The elastic, springy kybun products envelop the entire sole of the foot and ensure even pressure distribution across the whole foot. This significantly reduces localized pressure peaks—an important advantage especially for people with “sugar disease” and sensitive or delicate feet. Particularly with diabetic foot, where pressure points can often go unnoticed, this helps minimize the risk of skin irritation, pressure points and open wounds.
  The optimized pressure distribution not only relieves the sole of the foot, but also has a positive effect on the entire musculoskeletal system. Joints, muscles and tendons are loaded more evenly, reducing overuse and contributing to a more pleasant, more natural walking feel.

• ◉ Natural foot roll

  The elastic, springy kybun sole enables a gentle, guided and natural foot roll due to the delayed sinking in of the heel. Harmful and uncontrolled “slapping down” of the foot after heel strike is prevented. This controlled movement reduces hard impact forces, which can be particularly problematic for people with “sugar disease,” as sensitive areas of the foot are often subjected to greater load.
  Through the natural rolling motion, the foot muscles are actively engaged and stabilize the foot with every step. This helps avoid unconscious protective postures, which often occur with sensitive or pain-prone feet and can lead to misloading in the long term. At the same time, gait dynamics are improved, making walking safer and more harmonious.
  The gentle rolling motion distributes the forces generated evenly across the foot, knee, hip and spinal joints. For diabetes patients, this means noticeable relief for the sole of the foot as well as reduced stress on the joints. Active foot rolling increases the range of motion of the lower extremities and thus muscle activity, which stimulates blood circulation in the legs—an important aspect in diabetes-related circulatory disorders.

• ◉ Promoting circulation through higher activity levels

  The elastic, springy surface of kybun promotes natural, active movement with every step. Due to the rebound effect of the sole, the leg and foot muscles are continuously activated. This muscular activity supports the so-called muscle pump, which promotes venous return and blood circulation in the feet and legs.
  Improved circulation is of central importance for people with diabetes, as tissues and nerves are often less well supplied with oxygen and nutrients. Regular movement on kybun supports the supply to muscles, fascia and joints and can thereby promote tissue regeneration.

• ◉ Reducing the impact of hard floors

  Hard, flat floors transmit shock forces directly to the feet, knees, hips and spine. The kybun sole partially absorbs these forces and gently springs back, relieving joints and muscles. The slow sinking in of the heel activates stabilizing muscles, supporting joint guidance and reducing misloading. Especially for diabetics who, due to sensory disturbances or early polyneuropathy, are more susceptible to pressure points, gentle cushioning can make mobility easier and walking more comfortable.

• ◉ Care and protection of the fascia

  The gentle, rhythmic movements on the elastic, springy kybun sole activate the fascial tissue with every step. This continuous, gentle movement promotes circulation as well as fluid and nutrient exchange in the connective tissue—an important factor for people with “sugar disease,” in whom these processes are often slowed down.
  Healthy fascia are crucial for even tension distribution, stability and mobility. With diabetes, however, reduced movement, muscle loss or sensory disturbances can lead to hardening, adhesions and restricted mobility. Active yet joint-friendly use on kybun helps gently release such adhesions, balance muscular imbalances and maintain the natural elasticity of the tissue.
  Especially for diabetics with polyneuropathy or muscular limitations, gentle mobilization on kybun supports a safer feeling of movement. This can help improve standing and gait stability, prevent falls and increase overall well-being in everyday life over the long term.

Tips for use with diabetes

Before wearing kybun shoes for the first time, you should follow a few usage tips. Correct use can help relieve diabetes symptoms such as foot discomfort, pressure points or sensory disturbances and sustainably promote mobility.

• ◉ Start with short wearing times and increase them slowly. At the beginning, wear kybun shoes only as long as your body allows. Muscles, fascia and the nervous system need time to get used to the elastic, springy surface. Take breaks if fatigue or discomfort occurs. Especially at the start, the activating effect of the shoes can cause mild adaptation effects such as muscle fatigue or altered sensory perceptions.
• ◉ When stepping, consciously press the heel into the elastic, springy material and feel the cushioning. This reduces impact stress on muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and fascia and protects sensitive feet. This is an important aspect for diabetics to avoid pressure points and overuse.
• ◉ Roll the foot slowly from the heel through the midfoot to the forefoot. Avoid abrupt or tense stepping. Even movements optimize muscle tone, improve circulation and promote a natural rolling motion.
• ◉ At first, take smaller, controlled steps rather than large lunges. This supports stability and coordination, reduces the risk of falls and protects joints in the knees, hips and back.
• ◉ Over time, try to actively shape the rolling motion via the forefoot. This increases the range of motion in the foot, knee, hip and spinal joints, which can reduce tension, stiffness and limited mobility. If active rolling is not possible due to blockages or sensory deficits, adapt the rolling motion to your capabilities.
• ◉ Diabetics in particular should check their feet daily for pressure points, redness or small injuries. This check is crucial to detect injuries early and prevent complications.
• ◉ Use the shoes in everyday life. Continuous, gentle activation of the muscles promotes circulation, improves balance and supports mobility.