Diabetes: The Signs, Symptoms, and How to Alleviate It

During the pandemic, an increasing number of people eat more and exercise less. 

 

As we see obesity rates rise in Singapore, we recognise that this is a leading risk of Type 2 diabetes. COVID-19 may also aggravate the illness. 

 

In this article, we take a look at the signs of diabetes and how you can improve your condition!

 

What Is Diabetes? 

 

Diabetes happens when your blood sugar level is too high. We obtain blood sugar from the food we eat, and it acts as our main energy source. 

 

In order for sugar from the food you consume to enter your cells and be used as energy, the hormone insulin needs to be present.

 

When your body fails to make sufficient insulin, or if the insulin isn’t used properly, the sugar remains in your body without doing its job.

 

As time passes, the excessive sugar in your body leads to health problems. 

 

What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes? 

 

There are a few signs of diabetes that occur in most people. 

 

They include:

 

• Tiredness
• Feeling hungry all the time
• Weight loss that cannot be explained
• An increase in thirst and urination
• Blurred vision
• Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet 
• Very dry skin 

 

Note that diabetes is classified into 3 main groups:

 

• Type 1
• Type 2
• Gestational diabetes 

 

For Type 1 diabetes, the symptoms can appear quickly in just a few weeks. For Type 2, this happens slowly over a few years and the signs can be hardly noticeable. 

 

How to Manage Diabetes 

 

There are a number of ways to help manage diabetes. 

 

Count Your Carbohydrates 

 

When you’re diabetic, food becomes a tricky topic. Healthy eating isn’t enough: you need to understand the types of food you eat, how much and the combinations as well.

 

One important point is to count the carbohydrates you eat. This is because it usually has the greatest impact on your blood sugar levels. If you take insulin at mealtimes, knowing this also helps to ensure that you’re getting the accurate dose of insulin.

 

Stick to a Regular Exercise Plan 

 

Apart from controlling your diet, you also need to exercise on a regular basis.

 

When you work out, your muscles use the sugar in your body for energy. This helps your body make use of insulin better. The more taxing your workout, the better the effect.

 

You can start a telemedicine consultation with our committed doctors at D&CMed on a feasible exercise plan and schedule that you can stick to. Remember to stay hydrated and adjust your treatment plan whenever necessary. 

 

Choose Your Alcohol Carefully 

 

Love indulging in your Friday happy hours after work?

 

All that beer and alcohol you’re chugging is wrecking your body. If your liver, which plays an important role in managing your blood sugar, is too busy trying to metabolise alcohol, it doesn’t supply the added support to manage your blood sugar. 

 

Conclusion 

Even though diabetes is a chronic condition that needs careful management, it isn’t the end. With proper planning and the help of your house doctor in Singapore, you can still enjoy a regular lifestyle like others!