According to the IDF, 10.5% of the adult population has diabetes and is living life completely unaware of it. The consequences of diabetes are dire and many. It is best to be able to recognize it as quickly as possible to keep it managed and under control.
There are different types of diabetes. Type 2 is the most common
Symptoms to look out for
- Polyphagia or insatiable hunger
- Polyuria or increased frequency of urination
- Polydipsia or increased thirst
- Weight loss
- Tingling in hands or feet
- Frequent infections
- Delayed wound healing
- Blurry vision
Complications of untreated diabetes can be micro vascular and macro vascular.
Microvascular complications include
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Diabetic nephropathy
Macrovascular complications like
- Ischemic heart disease
- Peripheral artery disease
- Stroke
How will your physician diagnose you?
- Fasting Blood Glucose
- Random Blood Glucose
- HBA1C
How can you help yourself?
Once you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is imperative you monitor it daily. This can be done through a self glucose monitoring device.
Along with those, lifestyle modifications like a Mediterranean diet can help diabetics manage their blood sugar levels. Incorporating more exercise can also be very helpful.
If your diabetes remains uncontrolled for more than three months, you might be started on medications by a medical professional.
Leave a Comment