A technical note released by IEPS (Institute of Studies for Health Policies) on the data from the Surveillance of Risk and Protection Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (Vigitel) showed that socioeconomic inequality is a determinant for the emergence of chronic diseases, including hypertension and diabetes, and that the risk of acquiring these diseases is up to twice as high for those who have had formal education for a longer time.
According to endocrinologist and Sports Medicine Specialist Gisele Lorenzoni, due to the pandemic and various data already released, poverty and unemployment have increased, along with food prices, and this directly reflects on the health of the low-income population. “Many have turned more frequently to processed and packaged foods, as well as ‘fast food’, and this is a risk factor,” the doctor clarifies.
Diabetes is a disease that raises blood glucose levels and can be caused by being overweight. Hyperglycemia must be controlled as it is associated with microcirculation injuries. “Over time, these injuries can impair the functioning of various organs such as kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart,” explains the endocrinologist. Hypertension, on the other hand, is a silent disease and, because of this, dangerous, and it can also affect blood circulation.
“With the two diseases that the Brazilian population is most affected by due to sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and poor diet, this research raises even more alarm for these lower-income and lower-educated groups who are going through this,” the doctor states.
For her, the healthcare system also needs to pay attention to these diseases because the repercussions will come, with chronic patients needing constant treatment and also other diseases that are caused by these.
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