The Philippines currently ranks fifth in the number of diabetics in the Western Pacific with an estimated 5 million Filipinos diagnosed with this debilitating disease. Eating to your heart’s content is part of any kind of culture—most especially Filipino culture, so it’s important that you know the early signs of diabetes before it’s too late. Having diabetes means that you may avoid eating certain foods which are high in saturated fats, sodium, and cholesterol. Read more to learn about the basics of diabetes and how you can prevent it from happening to you.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness that is a result of having excessive glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream. The primary cause of this disease is when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to regulate glucose levels which in turn causes a spike in your blood sugar. Having diabetes can put you at risk for other chronic ailments like heart disease, vision problems, and even impotence in men.
What are the kinds of diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is also known as “insulin-dependent diabetes” or “juvenile diabetes.” This is considered to be more dangerous than type 2 diabetes and typically occurs in children and young adults. While the exact cause of type 1 diabetes is still unknown, family medical history can also be a risk factor in 10% to 15% of patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Those with other known autoimmune hormone-related diseases are also prone to developing this type of diabetes.
Meanwhile, those with type 2 diabetes or “adult-onset diabetes” are usually diagnosed after the age of 40. About 90% to 95% of those with diabetes have this kind of diabetes. According to some studies, type 2 diabetes has slowly become one of the fastest growing epidemics in this modern age. Obese children are also at risk of developing this type of diabetes as unhealthy food options are more readily accessible and affordable for the masses.
Common symptoms
You should consider consulting your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms which may indicate early signs of diabetes like:
- Unexpected weight loss
- Slow healing wounds
- Blurred vision
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained fatigue
How do you get diagnosed?
Your doctor may perform blood tests to measure and determine the type of diabetes and the severity of your condition. A urine test may also be necessary to see if there are any abnormalities in your ketone levels which is usually a result of low insulin levels in your blood.
General disclaimer
Always consult your doctor before drinking any kind of medication, including vitamins. Keep in mind that your physician is in the best position to prescribe the right kind of treatment for your condition. Immediately stop using a product if you experience negative side effects.
