Diabetes begins with a quiet start. For most Filipinos, the initial symptoms are attributed to stress, aging, or just a “bad day.” However, catching the symptoms early may be the difference-maker in controlling the disease and preventing severe complications.
If you ever wondered if your tiredness or excessive thirst could be something else, this article will guide you through how to know whether it is time to consult a doctor.
Warning Signs of Diabetes
Diabetes alters the functioning of blood sugar (glucose) regulation in your body. When glucose accumulates in your blood, it can cause numerous symptoms. These warning signs tend to surface slowly and hence might be dismissed effortlessly.
Some of these early symptoms to look out for include:
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination: You might find yourself drinking more water than normal and waking up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.
- Fatigue: Tiredness that doesn’t subside with sleep.
- Blurry vision: Rising blood sugar levels will temporarily cause you to become blurry-eyed.
- Healing of wounds is slower: Small cuts or scrapes take a lot longer to heal.
- Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight despite normal or increased appetite.
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet: This could signal nerve damage from high sugar levels.
If you’re experiencing two or more of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to consider a diabetes test in the Philippines.
## When to See a Doctor
While anyone can develop diabetes, certain factors increase your risk:
- Family history of diabetes
- Overweight or obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Hypertension or hypercholesterolemia
- History of gestational diabetes during pregnancy
If you belong to one or more of these risk groups and are already exhibiting symptoms, do not wait for your condition to worsen. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or use an online platform such as Nowserving PH to make an appointment for diabetes screening in the Philippines.
What to Expect from a Diabetes Test
A Philippine blood sugar test is inexpensive and fast. It’s widely available in most hospitals and clinics as part of their check-up procedures. There are some that call for fasting, while others are administered at any time of the day. Your doctor can suggest further tests based on your test results.
Getting tested early means you can begin making changes in your lifestyle or receive treatment before complications develop. It’s a little step that might save you from greater health problems down the road.
Take Control of Your Health
Listening to your body is one of the best things you can do. If something doesn’t feel right, think twice—getting tested might be the beginning of a healthier, more empowered life.
