Maya Victorova: Diabetes prevention should be a key focus

Diabetes prevention should be the main focus, said Maya Viktorova, chairwoman of the Bulgarian Diabetes Association, on the English-language morning block of BGNES.

"No one can say for sure why cases of diabetes are rising. The biggest focus should be on prevention. A healthy lifestyle is key. But also prevention of the complications of people with diabetes. The science is working in addition to those goals, but steps need to be made at reducing cases. Bulgaria is no exception in Europe. Half a million people suffer from diabetes here, measures need to be taken," Victorova said.

Victorova shared more information about the diabetes association and their work.

"Our association is for patients, it is like a federation in which smaller associations participate. Our main goal is awareness, type 1 diabetes can live in a person for years before there are symptoms. Patients need to be informed, they are fighting the disease themselves, so they need to know how."

"Over the years a person with diabetes can develop many complications. So prevention of these complications is as important as prevention of the disease. This will increase the life expectancy of patients as well as their daily life with the disease. Unfortunately, even though there are a lot of specialist endocrinologists in this country, they are focused in the big cities, which makes it very difficult for patients outside of them. The association is trying to help with that too, we are doing everything we can to make sure everyone gets their medication," added Victorova

She also talked about the differences in diabetes in children.

"Children get type 1 diabetes after severe infections, as the production of insulin in the body is destroyed. Type 2 often occurs in obese children, this can be stopped with awareness and healthy eating. While Type 1 is very difficult to prevent, science can provide a solution, but until then we are on our own," she said.

Victoria shared her encounter with the disease when her daughter became ill as a young child.

"It was a long time ago and she was very young. It was a huge battle for me, her diabetes was very difficult to control but with help, struggle and consultations she is now a mother. My biggest achievement is that she is well and has a family. It is a long and difficult process, you need discipline and will. I also want to say that patients go through very difficult times and need help, especially when the children get older and have to deal with the disease on their own. I know many people with diabetes who choose to pursue medicine because of these difficulties," she concluded. /BGNES