Think you might have diabetes? The alarming figures of people suffering from diabetes type 1 or diabetes type 2 in the UAE is only increasing each year. Dr Mohammed Al Khatib of HealthPlus shares his tips on vital signs that can help detect and how to take control of diabetes and your life.
A recent study shows that nearly 19 per cent of the UAE’s population is suffering from this disease. These are the known figures. If you do not do regular screenings for diabetes, how do you know if you could be a possible victim? Dr Mohammed Al Khatib, Consultant Internal Medicine, Endrocrinology and Diabetology of the HealthPlus Diabetes U Endocrinology Centre shares the signs that can help detect and also how to cope, if you do.
What signs to look out for
A combination of the below common symptoms might indicate you have diabetes:
- Frequent urination (Polyuria)
- Unquenchable thirst (Polydipsia)
- Increase in appetite (‘Hypoglycemia’)
- Chronic fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Delayed wound healing
- Weight loss (Type 1 Diabetes)
- Numbness in the hands and feet (Type 2 Diabetes)
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5 tips for coping with diabetes
Lead a healthy lifestyle: Opt for a controlled diet containing mainly glow glycemic foods. Avoid heavy fat meals, reduce sodas as well as sweetened juices.
Exercise regularly: Get active at least 30-45 minutes daily or 90 minutes three times a week.
Be in control: Test your blood sugar constantly and meet your diabetologist for regular check-ups.
Learn to manage yourself: Visit diabetes education courses and groups.
Don’t get depressed: Diabetes can take a toll on emotions and, in turn, have a negative impact on your diabetes control. Seek help, talk to your family doctor or other people with diabetes as they may be going through the same things as you.
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