Diabetes is becoming an increasing health problem in the UK. According to statistics published by Diabetes UK, 2,8 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes in the UK and a further 850,000 of people have the disease but who still don't know it. There are a number of early signs of diabetes to look out for.
What is diabetes?
About diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where your body is unable to process glucose (a type of sugar) properly, leading to the levels of glucose being too high. The glucose is processed by a substance called insulin which is manufactured in the pancreas.
There are two types of diabetes: Type1 and Type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is when the insulin producing cells are totally destroyed. Nobody is exactly sure why this happens. It is most likely to show up in childhood and the affected person will need to be treated with insulin for the rest of his/her life. Type 2 diabetes is much more common and generally affects people later in life. It occurs when the insulin produced is greatly reduced or doesn't work correctly.
First signs of diabetes
In Type 1 diabetes, the symptoms are obvious and appear immediately. It is Type 2 diabetes which can go undiagnosed for a long time. The signs and symptoms to look out for are an increase in the need to pass urine especially at night, feeling a lot more thirsty than usual, feeling very tired, weight-loss that happens suddenly and which isn't due to being on a diet, itchiness in the genital area and blurred vision. If you have any of these symptoms, you should visit your GP as soon as possible.
Diagnosis and treatment
Visiting your doctor
Your GP will ask you questions about your symptoms and so, it is a good idea to go prepared with a list. Your doctor will do tests including taking blood and urine samples.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will decide what treatment is needed. If you are showing pre-diabetes symptoms, your doctor will advise you about lifestyle and diet changes which will greatly reduce your risk of developing full-blown diabetes. This will include more exercise.
Treatment
Your treatment will depend on the severity of your diabetes, You will be advised about lifestyle changes, diet changes and be encouraged to lose weight. If necessary, you will be put onto medication. It's important that you understand how to take the medication and that you take it regularly.
Last word
Diabetes is becoming a real health problem in the UK. Visit your doctor immediately if you suspect so that you may be diagnosed as early treatment can make a big difference to the outcome.
