This disease destroys the spine. It causes pain, but almost everyone blames it on other diseases

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes in the world. This disease is promoted by a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Symptoms of diabetes develop gradually. Initially, when blood glucose levels are not very high, this disease often does not cause any symptoms. That is why people who are at higher risk of developing diabetes should undergo appropriate tests periodically. Recently, scientists have assessed that diabetes may also cause one, quite non-specific symptom.

Type 2 diabetes can cause back pain

Scientists from the University of California in San Diego have proven that diabetes can cause spine pain. Their observations show that in type 2 diabetes the structure of the intervertebral discs, the so-called disks. This, in turn, leads to them being less flexible and distributing energy worse.

A greater risk of back pain has previously been observed in people with type 2 diabetes, but now scientists have taken a closer look at this phenomenon. They concluded that it is primarily about reducing the elasticity of collagen nanofibers, which dissipate the energy coming from pressure on the disc. People with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of lower back pain and disc problems. However, the exact mechanisms of disc degeneration remain incompletely understood.

How does diabetes destroy the spine? Test

During the study, it turned out that the fibers of the discs, which came from healthy rats, rotated and compressed, which in turn allowed them to freely receive and transmit energy to the disc.

“In diabetic rats, the way the discs dissipated energy under pressure differed significantly. Diabetes reduced both fiber rotation and extension, indicating a reduced ability to respond to pressure,” the researchers explain. Additionally, incorrect bonds lead to hardening of the entire system. “Our results provide new insight into the potential mechanism underlying diabetes-related tissue damage and may identify new approaches to the prevention and treatment of this severely life-impairing condition,” the researchers add.

What test should be performed for diabetes?

The basic test that allows the detection of diabetes is the measurement of glucose concentration in the blood. This determination is carried out in the morning. The patient should be fasting, 12 hours should have passed since the last meal. The result of a diabetes test may be affected by:

• taking certain medications before blood collection,

• eating a large and fatty meal,

• intense physical exercise,

• smoking,

• symptoms of infection.

Typical symptoms of diabetes include:

• chronic fatigue,

• weakness,

• frequent urination,

• increased thirst and dry mouth,

• frequent intimate infections,

• urinary tract infections

• problems with wound healing.