Symptoms of diabetes can be subtle or slow to develop, making it important for all adults to undergo periodic screening that can help early diagnosis and treatment and prevent complications associated with the disease, says Caterina Pesenti, Medical Head, Roche Diabetes Care, India Middle East & Africa (IMEA).
“Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to disorders of the circulatory, nervous and immune systems, so it is important to be tested for diabetes and, if diagnosed, to manage the condition well to avoid any associated health complications,” says Dr. Pesenti.
Pesenti says the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines provide a useful starting point. She explains the ADA recommends that most adults begin diabetes screening at age 35. For those who are overweight or have additional risk factors for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, the ADA advises diabetes screening before age 35. Screening should also take place for anyone who has early symptoms of diabetes.
“However, the symptoms of type 2 diabetes often develop slowly, so may go unnoticed initially. The good news is that the condition can be diagnosed through simple blood tests and effectively managed through regular self-monitoring of blood glucose, medication, diet and lifestyle adjustments, under the guidance and advice of a medical practitioner,” says Pesenti.
“Where symptoms are present, these might include increased hunger and/or thirst; frequent urination; blurred vision; fatigue; unintended weight loss; numbness or tingling in the hands or feet; slow-healing sores; frequent infections; and patches of darkened skin, typically on the neck or armpits,” Pesenti adds.
“If individuals are diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to receive care from a multidisciplinary team experienced in diabetes management,” says Dr. Pesenti. “If not identified early and monitored and managed properly, complications of diabetes can be severe, including loss of sight, limb amputation, heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and increased cancer risk, among others,” she adds.
“Luckily there are many tools today to help patients accurately and easily monitor their blood sugar levels on their own, which in addition to medication, can help to avoid these complications. Roche Diabetes Care advocates a structured, holistic and patient-centred approach that is customised for the individual,” says Dr. Pesenti. “Roche’s aim is to create solutions that support individuals in managing their routine as effortlessly as possible with products covering everything from blood glucose monitoring and information management, to insulin delivery systems, digital health solutions, and apps and educational programmes for patients and healthcare providers. Together these solutions offer integrated personalised diabetes management that ensures that people with diabetes get true relief.”
Dr. Pesenti concludes, “Individuals don’t need to view a diabetes type-2 diagnosis with fear and trepidation. By working closely with their care team and being vigilant about their blood glucose levels through regular self-monitoring, they can effectively manage their condition and continue to lead full, regular and productive lives.”
