Diabetes is a life-long condition associated with abnormally high levels of sugar in your blood. The Philippines is one of the world’s emerging diabetes hotspots. Ranked in the top 15 in the world for diabetes prevalence, Philippines is home to more than 4 million people diagnosed with the disease – and a worryingly large number who are unaware they have diabetes.
Diabetes can lead to complications, such as dangerously elevated blood sugar levels and disease of the blood vessels. With these alarming statistics, it’s important to be aware of early signs and symptoms of diabetes. These include:
- Increased urine output
- Excessive thirst
- Weight loss
- Hunger
- Skin problems
- Slow to heal wounds
- Yeast infections
- Blurred vision
- Tingling or numbness in feet or toes
If you think you or a loved one has diabetes, contact a doctor immediately for glucose testing. Though diabetes is a chronic disease, treatment is widely available and many patients continue to live full, healthy lives.