Tired & Thirsty? Watch Out! It could be diabetes…
Type 2 diabetes is a massive problem in many countries around the world.
According to the British Heart Foundation, in the UK, over 4% of men and 3% of women have been diagnosed – however – there are almost 600,000 others who have the condition but do not even know!
In the USA there are 20.8 million children and adults in the US with diabetes — and nearly one-third of them (or 6.2 million people) have no idea they have it!
Could you be one of these people? If you are in ANY doubt it is VITAL that you get checked out. Diabetes UK list several risk factors which could contribute to the onset of diabetes:
- Age: the older you are the greater your risk
- Family history: diabetes has been proven to run in the family – particularly for South Asian and Afro-Carribean men and women
- Weight: startlingly – over 80% of people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight
- High blood pressure: if you have been diagnosed with any circulatory problems then your risk is higher
- Impaired blood glucose levels: if you have been diagnosed with impaired fasting glycaemia or impaired glucose tolerance then you have a higher chance of developing diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association list the following symptoms:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Extreme hunger
- Unusual weight loss
- Increased fatigue
- Irritability
- Blurry vision
They also have a basic diabetes risk test – although it does not mention any of the above symptoms.
If you have even the slightest suspicion, have any of the above symptoms or fall into any of the risk groups then make sure you get checked out right away.
As with most conditions – the earlier it is caught the more easily it can be managed and addressed.
