The symptoms of diabetes are often missing among many, underscoring the need to understand the risk factors and get tested, an expert at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has cautioned.
“One of the reasons we emphasise the importance of screening and knowing the risk factors is that many patients with diabetes have no idea that they have it. Either there are no red flags to alert them, or they miss the signs until they start developing complications as a result of prolonged periods of elevated glucose,” said Prof Abdul-Badi Abou-Samra, chairman, department of internal medicine at HMC.
Diabetes signs and symptoms include increased thirst and urination, blurred vision, tiredness and unexplained weight loss. Recognising the symptoms of the disease is important for early detection and prevention of further complications like heart disease, kidney failure and loss of limbs.
“Knowing one’s risk factors is an important part of prevention and early detection among those who are prone to developing the disease. Obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, a history of gestational diabetes or polycystic ovarian syndrome and a family history of diabetes are among the most common risk factors,” said Prof Abou-Samra.
Mohamed, a 45-year-old Qatari national with type 2 diabetes, said that when he decided to get tested he did not have any symptoms but knew he was at risk
because of his family history.
“I was in my 20s when I was first diagnosed. I did not experience any of the symptoms of the disease but I decided to get tested because both my parents were diabetic and I was overweight; I knew these factors increased my risk of developing the disease,” recalled Mohammed.
Promoting an active lifestyle, as a strategy to prevent obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, is among HMC’s top priorities in its year-long diabetes campaign. Launched earlier this year, the awareness campaign is designed to increase public understanding of diabetes and to empower residents to take control over their health.
