Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, occurs when one’s blood glucose (sugar levels) are too high, and is related to the insulin hormone produced by one’s body. It is the fifth most common medical condition diagnosed and one of the top six diseases causing fatalities in Singapore. Someone diagnosed with diabetes either cannot respond to insulin produced in the body or has insufficient amounts of it being generated within. There are three types of diabetes, namely, Type 1, where the pancreas does not produce insulin and occurs largely in children and teens; Type 2, which is common to middle-aged adults; and gestational diabetes, which can be found among pregnant women.

Risks

Over time, having high levels of glucose in one’s body may cause serious complications damaging one’s kidneys, eyes and nerves. It may also be the cause of heart disease, strokes and amputations.

Symptoms

Diabetes is often associated with such symptoms as increased fatigue, increased thirst, weight loss, blurred vision and frequent urination, but absence of these symptoms does not mean one does not have diabetes. The common form of detection of the disease is through a blood test, but it may also be detected through urine analysis.

Management

Diabetes can be managed through medication and lifestyle management. Basic diabetes management skills pertaining to food intake, medication, recognition of high and low sugar levels, and recording tests can be very useful in battling this disease.