DIABETES MELLITUS (1/2)

■ What Is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes is a medical condition in which patients have high blood sugar. It is becoming more common and affects 8.6% of the population in Singapore.

This may be due in part to ageing population, unhealthy diets and lack of exercise.

It is an important condition because there are many complications that can occur as a result of diabetes.

■ What Is the Signs & Symptoms of Diabetes?

The early stages of diabetes can occur without any sign and symptoms, or some people may experience only a few symptoms that are listed below.

About 50 percent of people with type 2 diabetes don't experience any symptoms and don't know they have the disease.

The common symptoms of diabetes are:

Symptoms due to high blood sugar

Symptoms due to complications of diabetes

■ Diabetes Increases Your Risk for Many Serious Health Problems.

If diabetes progresses without being treated, it can lead to serious complications and premature death.

The three most common types of serious complications are eye deficiency (diabetic retinopathy: blindness), kidney lesion (diabetic nephropathy: dialysis), and nerve disorder (diabetic neuropathy or ND: gangrene), and these are also called “Triopathy of Diabetes.”

However, not only these three, but also other complications, for example arteriosclerosis, harm or effect on your health seriously.

Arteriosclerosis is a symptom of aging, but the progress of arteriosclerosis on diabetic patient may be more rapidly or 10 years faster. It is well known that the progression of arteriosclerosis leads to myocardial infarction or stroke.

Diabetes may be a “painless or itchy-less” disease, but the purpose of diabetes therapy is to prevent such disorders or complications.