Diabetes is a Complex systemic disease,In addition of increase in mortality rate due to this disease morbidity associated with diabetes & its related illness has a great economic impact on our society.
Therefore, the diagnosis of this disease should no longer be missed. Although all type of diabetes have hyperglycaemia ( High level of Sugar in blood) in common ,but its cause may vary, diabetes occurs mainly by the deficiency of insulin hormone or the presence of factors that disturbs the action of insulin.
Some common factors associated with Diabetes are as under-
- Larger dose & Prolong use of Drugs as -corticosteroids, OCP(Oral Contraceptive Pills), Diuretics etc.
- Diseases of Pancreas(gland secreting insulin)
- Sever & prolong illness
- Constant Moderate/Severe stress
- After burns/accidents
- Prolong chemical exposure
& many others
So instead of family history of the diabetes if anyone suffered/suffering from the above said factors must go for the checkups biannually.
- Patients visiting their Family Doctors/OPD of Hospitals should have a urine test especially if their symptoms are unexplained.
- Some patients do not explain their symptoms properly which may mislead the physician--be vigilant about your body.
- Symptoms like wt.loss, weakness & lethargy are most commonly misinterpreted-Tonics & other health supplements are taken without consulting the doctor, worsen the disease, if present.
Classically Diabetes manifests with the triad of symptoms as excessive thirst(polydipsia),excessive urination(polyuria),& excessive hunger(polyphagia)
But now any unexplained symptom may represent Diabetes.Some common symptoms are-
- Tiredness, Feeling of unwell
- Excessive Thirst/dryness of mouth
- Detoriating Vision
- Pain in shoulder/feet
- Excessive/burning urination
- Weight loss/gain –sudden
- Vaginitis /Balanitis
- Gynaecological disorders in females
- Foot/heel ulceration
- Undiagnosed fever
Should not be ignored because in some persons the symptoms develop rapidly but in some very slowly (few days to few months) depending upon individuals immune system
Hence until its clinical & pathological detection, understand your body language & do not let the Diabetes to control you, Prevent & Control it.
Dr.M.S.Singhal
