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Symptoms and consequences of untreated type 2 diabetes

A study by the University of Pretoria revealed a marked rise in type 2 diabetes in recent years as people consume more processed foods, sugary drinks and high-calorie meals. Other contributing factors are a lack of physical activity and high levels of obesity.

The study indicated that one in nine South African adults have diabetes, amounting to about 4.2 million people. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of this condition in South Africa. Wits University confirms that after tuberculosis, diabetes is the leading killer in South Africa.

Given that symptoms of type 2 diabetes are not always obvious, what should prompt a visit to your pharmacist for a quick blood sugar level screening?

The Mayo Clinic lists symptoms to be aware of:

  • Feeling more thirsty than usual.
  • Urinating frequently.
  • Losing weight without trying.
  • Feeling tired or weak.
  • Experiencing blurred vision.
  • Having slow-healing sores.
  • Getting a lot of infections such as gum, skin and vaginal infections.

However, the CDC (Centre for Disease Control) warns that these symptoms can develop over several years before they are noticed, and sometimes they aren’t even noticeable. This makes it important to have regular medical checks with your doctor and get a simple blood sugar test from your pharmacist, which will take less than a minute of your time.

Left undiagnosed and untreated, what impact can type 2 diabetes have on your health?

Uncontrolled diabetes can take a heavy toll on nearly every organ in your body, warns WebMD. It takes its toll on organs such as the heart and blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves, gastrointestinal tract, as well as gums and teeth.

If left untreated, these complications can worsen over time.

Given the high incidence of diabetes and the debilitating effect that it has on your well-being, it is certainly a good idea to find a few minutes – that’s all that it takes – to have a blood sugar level screening at your Link pharmacy. Should your sugar level be high, your doctor can treat the disease, and you’ll also need to pursue a healthy diet and engage in physical activity.

 

While all reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this article, information may change or become dated, as new developments occur. The Link group shall not be held liable or accountable for the accuracy, completeness or correctness of any information for any purpose. No content in this article, irrespective of the date or reference source, should be viewed as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor, pharmacist or any other suitably qualified clinician.

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