10 symptoms of diabetes

EVERY year on 14 November the world commemorates World Diabetes Day.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how the body turns food into energy.

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Our bodies break down most of the food we eat into sugar (glucose) and releases it into the bloodstream.

According to the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF), 24 million people within the organisation’s Africa Region (AFR) live with diabetes, and this rate is expected to increase to 55 million by 2045.

According to research, the proportion of undiagnosed diabetes is the highest in the AFR, at 53.6%.
Globally, approximately 537 million adults live with the disease.

This despite the fact that it can be treated and its consequences avoided or delayed through diet, physical activity, medication and regular screening and monitoring.

These statistics make it imperative to acknowledge World Diabetes Day in the AFR to spread awareness and educate the population about the symptoms, early testing and diagnosis, and the management and treatment of diabetes.

Once a patient is diagnosed, it is important to enhance knowledge, attitude, and patient behaviour to achieve glycemic control and prevent the development of health complications associated with diabetes.

10 symptoms of diabetes:
• Feeling more thirsty than usual
• Urinating often
• Losing weight without trying
• Presence of ketones in the urine (ketones are a by-product of the breakdown of muscle and fat, which occurs when insufficient insulin is available)
• Feeling tired and weak
• Feeling irritable or experiencing mood changes
• Blurry vision
• Slow-healing sores
• Contracting many infections, such as gum, skin and vaginal infections.

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