British indie rocker Pete Doherty says he is suffering from diabetes. “I am a glutton. That’s no joke. “I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes,” said the 44-year-old in an interview with the Guardian over the weekend. At the moment, however, he lacks the discipline to get his cholesterol levels under control.
Doherty, who is also the singer of indie bands The Libertines and Babyshambles and makes music elsewhere, has been in the headlines for drugs and alcohol in the past. The ex-boyfriend of model Kate Moss (50) also works as a painter. In 2022 he exhibited his works of art in a retrospective in Berlin. According to the Guardian article, the musician lives with his family in northern France.
Musician Pete Doherty opens up about diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease in which blood sugar levels are elevated. The cause is a deficiency of the metabolic hormone insulin, for which there are various reasons. In type 2 diabetes, by far the most common form of the disease, the pancreas’ ability to produce insulin and its effectiveness decrease, according to the diabetes information portal diabinfo.de.
In addition to hereditary predispositions, age (“adult-onset diabetes”) and lifestyle play a role here. This form of diabetes is treated with proper nutrition, exercise and weight loss, as well as medication to lower blood sugar levels.
You can reduce the risk of diabetes with eleven measures
A health-conscious lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The German Diabetes Foundation gives eleven tips for prevention.
Lose excess weight
A body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more is considered overweight, and a BMI of 30 or more is considered obesity. Click here for our BMI calculator.
Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day
Strength training and endurance sports (e.g. jogging, cycling, swimming) are considered particularly effective. But every step counts. It helps to take the stairs instead of the elevator, go for a walk while talking on the phone, or ride your bike to work.
Pay attention to a healthy diet
According to studies, the so-called Mediterranean diet is said to have a preventive effect against type 2 diabetes. Fiber in particular helps against disturbed sugar and fat metabolism and improves the effect of insulin in many organ systems. 15 grams of fiber per day and 1000 calories (about 30 grams) are recommended. Therefore, your diet should include plenty of vegetables and fruits as well as whole grain products. Save on salt and sugar. Legumes (e.g. beans, peas, lentils) also increase the fiber balance.
Avoid hidden fats
It is recommended not to eat meat and sausage every day. If you can’t do without, you should choose low-fat versions. The same goes for cheese. Fish (e.g. salmon, tuna, mackerel) is highly recommended for a balanced diet due to its protein and fat composition. However, the omega-3 fatty acids (PUFAs), which were originally considered so important for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, could not be confirmed in more recent scientific analyses.
Avoid soft drinks
Lemonade, cola and fruit juices are mountains of liquid sugar and drive up blood sugar and insulin levels, which not only contributes significantly to overweight and obesity, but also promotes insulin resistance and can therefore lead to diabetes.
Do you drink coffee
Coffee can have a protective effect. Four or a maximum of seven cups of coffee (including caffeine-free) daily can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 25 percent. (Attention, there are also people who cannot tolerate coffee. You should avoid coffee.)
Alcohol in moderation
Alcohol consumption increases blood sugar levels, damages nerves and leads to alcohol-related fatty liver disease. It is best to avoid it completely; the healthiest amounts are 10 grams for women (a small glass of white wine) and 20 grams for men (half a bottle of beer).
Stop smoking
Smoking or nicotine is a significant risk factor for diabetes. Anyone who quits smoking reduces their risk of type 2 diabetes by 30 to 50 percent.
Keep blood pressure at normal levels
This reduces the risk of dangerous complications from diabetes. High blood pressure in combination with increased blood sugar levels and a lipid metabolism disorder (high LDL cholesterol) lead to damage to the small blood vessels (kidneys, eyes, heart, nerves, brain) and the large vessels (= arteriosclerosis) in the heart, brain, legs and kidneys .
Get enough sleep
Lack of sleep and disturbed sleep have a negative impact on blood sugar levels, insulin action and insulin secretion. Severe sleep disorders including so-called sleep apnea syndrome are closely associated with diabetes.
Avoid stress
Stress hormones cause blood sugar levels to rise. Therefore, try to reduce unnecessary sources of stress or, if possible, avoid them entirely. Take enough time off. Relaxation techniques such as autogenic training, breathing exercises or yoga can also help.
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