Do you feel thirsty or tired all the time? If so, you could be one of the estimated 40 million Indians who have diabetes. Here’s what to look for:
- As well as increased fatigue and thirst, typical symptoms include urinating more often (as your kidneys try to excrete excess sugar), weight loss, blurred vision (caused by blood glucose accumulating in your eye’s lens) and genital itching (sometimes due to infection). Cuts may also take longer to heal.
- Type 1 diabetes can be triggered by a virus and tends to develop within days or over a few weeks; Type 2 onset is slower and can be mistaken for stress or ageing.
- People under 40 are more prone to Type 1 but, due to rising levels of obesity, are now the fastest growing group for Type 2-once linked with old age. Both Types run in families.
- If you’re worried, go to your GP for a urine test to measure your glucose level. A healthy diet (low in salt, fat and sugar) and daily exercise are crucial for preventing Type 2.
November 14 is World Diabetes Day.
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