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Like
a slow erupting volcano, Diabetes is causing misery to many
South Indians. The type 2 diabetes that is more prevalent
in South Asians and any discussion on the subject would be
of interest to every one of us.
Currently approximately 1.4 million people in the UK have
diagnosed type 2 diabetes. However, it is thought that
a further 1 million people - the so-called "mission millions"
have the disease. The projected prevalence of around
3 millions by the year 2010. The NHS spent a total of approximately
£2 billion.
We all should be aware of the early symptoms of this very
important illness. They are :
-
increase
thirst
-
increase
urine frequency
-
weight
loss
-
lassitude
In
type 2 diabetes :
-
The
weight loss is substantial even though the patient is
still obese.
-
In
women vaginal thrush with itching could be early symptom.
-
In
men banalities causing inflammation around the penis.
-
Other
non-specific symptoms commonly reported are the exacerbation
of cramps in the legs.
-
Some
patients complain of loss of appetite, but others develop
a craving for sweet foods.
-
Patients
develop blurring of vision due to change in lens refraction.
Type
2 diabetes is a well established as an important risk factor
for cardiovascular disease including coronary artery disease
and stroke. Many of the complications of diabetes are already
present in 50% of the patients when it is diagnosed.
It is a serious illness in South Asians leading to premature
deaths and diabetes could affect any system in the body.
I stress that everyone over the age of 40 should have their
fasting blood sugar and cholesterol checked annually.
Early detection of the illness would minimise in developing
complications. The role of the patient: Self-manage their
disease can improve the sugar control, reducing the risk of
long-term complications.
My advice is get your fasting blood sugar checked and it is
a simple test. On a lighter side, let me recall an incident.
My sweet uncle (who was a diabetic) ordered coffee and masala
dosa in a vegetarian restaurant in India. The waiter shouted
to the chef “one coffee without sugar for Iyer”, everyone
in the place hastened to look at my poor uncle… Since then
he would simply stroll into the kitchen to order his special
coffee!
Courtesy:
Newsletter from London Sath Sangham
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