By Dr Said Qabbaah
Medical Writer & Public Health Expert
Expert Contributor in Family Flavours Magazine
In Jordan, diabetes affects about one in five adults, which is more than one million people in total. This means that many families are affected by this condition, and detecting it early is paramount.
Globally
Diabetes is one of the most common long-term health conditions worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. Interestingly, many people do not realise they have it until health problems arise.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where your body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Normally, a hormone called insulin helps move glucose from your blood into the cells to be used as energy. In diabetes, this process is disrupted.
There are several types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes happens when your immune system attacks the pancreas, the organ responsible for producing insulin. It often develops early in life.
- Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common form, accounting for around 90% of all cases. It develops when your body does not produce enough insulin or does not respond properly to it. It is usually seen in older adults but is becoming more common in younger people as well.
- Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy. It usually resolves after birth but increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Why Early Detection Matters
Diabetes can remain silent for years. Many people have no obvious symptoms at first and may only be diagnosed during a routine check-up or when being tested for another condition.
By the time it is discovered, damage to blood vessels, nerves, eyes or kidneys may already have begun. Detecting diabetes early offers several important benefits:
-
Preventing complications
The longer high blood sugar levels remain untreated, the greater the risk of complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, vision loss and nerve damage. Early detection allows intervention before these complications develop. -
Improving treatment outcomes
Early detection means treatment can start sooner. With appropriate lifestyle changes, medication or insulin therapy (depending on the type), blood sugar control improves and long-term health outcomes are better. -
Knowledge equals power
Learning about diabetes early gives you time to understand the condition, adopt healthier habits and access support services if needed. -
Reducing healthcare costs
Treating advanced complications is often more complex and expensive than managing diabetes from the beginning. Early diagnosis helps reduce both health and financial burdens.
Recognising the Signs & Symptoms
Although diabetes can develop gradually with no obvious signs, common symptoms include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing of cuts and wounds
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms, and some may be too mild to notice. However, if anything feels out of the ordinary, it is important to seek medical advice promptly.
What Are the Risk Factors?
Some people are more likely to develop diabetes due to a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, especially type 2 diabetes. Understanding these risks encourages earlier testing and better prevention.
- Family history of diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Lack of physical activity
- Being over 40 years old
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- History of gestational diabetes
If you have one or more of these risk factors, consider regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, even if you feel well.
Screening & Diagnosis
Screening programmes, particularly for people at high risk, are effective in detecting diabetes before symptoms appear. Diagnosis is made through simple blood tests that measure glucose levels.
These include the fasting blood sugar test, the HbA1c test (which measures average blood sugar over the past two to three months), and the oral glucose tolerance test, which assesses how the body responds to a sugary drink.
Lifestyle & Diabetes Prevention
While not all cases of diabetes can be prevented, particularly type 1, early detection often goes hand in hand with lifestyle changes that support better health. For type 2 diabetes, small daily adjustments can make a big difference.
- Maintaining a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, while reducing processed foods and sugary drinks
- Engaging in regular physical activity, aiming for at least two hours of moderate exercise per week
- Maintaining a healthy weight; even small weight loss can significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
- Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake
Diabetes is a common condition that can have serious consequences if left undetected or untreated. Understanding it empowers you to take control of your health and make informed choices.
By keeping regular health checks and practising proactive self-care, you can detect problems early, prevent complications and manage diabetes with confidence. Small steps today can lead to a healthier, stronger tomorrow.
Contact:
Dr Said Qabbaah
[email protected]
