Diabetes can be dangerous and even fatal but a positive
approach can tame this wild tiger. This is what makes it sinister :
1-Diabetes usually presents with minimal symptoms which are easily
ignored and this simple mistake allows diabetes to dig
deeper and deeper without detection.
2-Diabetes can itself lead to or increase risk of many life
threatening conditions, like :
- Non resolving infections / Sepsis
- High Blood pressure
- Heart diseases: Silent Heart attack
3-Long standing disease can cause permanent damage to
- Retina: Decreased vision / Blindness
- Kidney : High blood pressure
- Nerves: Ulcers / Gangrene / Neuropathy.
4-High level of motivation for adherence to therapy and lifestyle modification are required for
effective control. Delay and lapses are common.
5-Stigmas, misconceptions and superstitions attached to
diabetes are innumerable but only one thing is certain-
“Nothing can cure
diabetes but it can be controlled with discipline and drugs”
6-Regular screening and high level of suspicion can help
detect diabetes way before any long term damage is done.
Who should get screened for diabetes?
You should be screened for diabetes, irrespective of the age,
if you have any of the following:
- Obesity (BMI > 25)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Positive Family History
- High Blood Pressure
- Heart Disease / High cholesterol
- Mothers who delivered >3.5kg baby or had Gestational Diabetes
- Everyone who is older than 45 years - Once every 3 years if screen is normal -Once every year if High risk on screening
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