Silent killer claims more UAE victims: 10 signs you are at risk

A sedentary lifestyle and high intake of fatty and processed foods has led to an increase in the number of people suffering from diabetes in the UAE.

Diabetes is also called the ‘silent killer’ because of its easy-to-miss symptoms.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), almost one in five people – or 18.98 per cent of the UAE’s population – were living with diabetes in 2013.

The UAE was ranked 15th worldwide for diabetes occurrence. The stats are alarming especially since it indicates a sedentary lifestyle with an unhealthy diet.

Diabetes is of two types: Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition where the body attacks the pancreas causing it to fail whereas Type 2 diabetes is caused mainly by insulin resistance.

According to the IDF, Type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly rampant across the UAE and is starting to affect all age groups. Insulin resistance is usually associated with obesity, stress and physical inactivity.

According to Dr. Job Simon, Consultant – Endocrinology and Diabetes at Abu Dhabi’s Burjeel Hospital, the emergence and popularity of ‘fast food’ and the hot summer months act as a deterrent to exercise, resulting in an increase of Type 2 diabetes in the country.

Another factor contributing to these statistics, Dr. Simon highlighted, is the rise in obesity among youngsters. “With both parents usually working, families opt for pre-cooked or packaged meals which are high in bad fats, sugar and sodium,” he says.

“Children start eating unhealthy at an early age and as they usually kill time with video games or with computers, the sedentary lifestyle leads to obesity, hence puts them at major risk for diabetes,” he adds.

“Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas integral to the conversion of glucose to energy. Insulin resistance results in the pancreas overproducing the hormone. Over time the pancreas fails to produce this high amount of insulin resulting in the increase in blood sugar levels causing Type 2 diabetes,” Dr Simon explains.

While there is no recognised cure for the condition, get yourself checked especially if you have any of the following symptoms:

#1 Increased hunger

Excessive pangs of hunger could be a sign of diabetes. The hunger pangs can come from sharp peaks and lows in blood sugar levels.

#2 Increased urination, excessive thirst

If you need to urinate frequently, it could be a symptom of diabetes. A person’s kidneys usually kick into higher gear to get rid of all the extra glucose in the blood. That intensifies the urge to relieve oneself, sometimes several times during the night.

The excessive thirst, on the other hand, is the body’s way to replenish the loss fluids. These two symptoms go together.

#3 Fatigue, Irritability

If you find yourself tired even after a ‘relaxing’ weekend, or if you’re always irritable, that could be because the constant sleep interruptions due to the urge to urinate.

#4 Lack of concentration

This is especially true in children. Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus do affect cognitive abilities. Low and high blood glucose levels both affect cognitive functioning, though it far more noticeable when one’s blood sugar levels are low.

#5 Unusual weight loss

High blood sugar can lead to rapid weight loss. Because the insulin hormone isn’t getting glucose into the cells, the body starts breaking down protein from the muscles as an alternate source of fuel. With kidneys working overtime to eliminate excess sugar, this leads to a ‘calorie deficit,’ resulting in rapid but unhealthy weight loss.

#6 Skin problems

Itchy, dry skin can often be a warning sign of diabetes. Darkening of the skin around the neck or armpit area is one of the signs of poor circulation, and may be because of diabetes.

#7 Slow healing

If bruises, cuts and infections tend to nag you longer than before and don't heal as quickly as they used to, this is another classic sign of diabetes.

#8 Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet

Nerve damage due to diabetes may result in tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, along with burning pain or swelling.

#9 Blurred vision

See occasional flashes of light? Have distorted vision? These may be a direct result of high blood sugar levels.

#10 Depression, Lack of interest

This works ether way - if you have diabetes, you have an increased risk of developing depression. And if you’re depressed, you may have a greater chance of developing Type 2 diabetes. That’s because depression can lead to poor lifestyle decisions, such as unhealthy eating, less exercise, smoking and weight gain — all of which are risk factors for diabetes. On the other hand, the rigors of managing diabetes can be stressful and lead to symptoms of depression.

Nevertheless, experts warn that, if left untreated, diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure and cardiovascular disease.

Once diagnosed, the best way to manage diabetes is through exercise and diet.

“Start walking for 30 minutes daily and gradually progress to a light jog while ensuring that you start making smarter choices in what you eat,” said Dr. Simon.

“Green leafy vegetables, lean meats and fish high in omega oils are good choices to make. Children must be encouraged and should be exposed to healthy foods from a young age: instead of a doughnut, carrot sticks are way better.”

[Image: Shutterstock]

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.