Due to the lack of regular medical check up, diabetes can become a threat to one's health as it can be hidden inside the body for years without showing any discernible symptoms, said Dr. Saud Al-Safri, a consultant in endocrinology and head of internal medicine at the Al-Hada Armed Forces Hospitals. He added that each person must have a regular check up done to monitor glucose levels in the blood, in particular. Being overweight, either because of bad habits – like lack of exercise - or for genetic reasons is the main reason behind diabetes. According to Dr. Al-Safri, there are several symptoms that can lead to diabetes. “Regular thirst, hunger pangs, irregular weight loss and a frequent need to urinate, gingivitis and difficulty in recovering from injuries are the main symptoms patients complain of before diagnosis,” he indicated. He added that the regular undertaking of physical activity like playing sports, quitting smoking and avoiding the consumption of fast food can protect our bodies from the disease. Medical experts around the world advise diabetics to undertake intensive sporting activities for three days a week to keep glucose levels at a stable and healthy level. Damage to the eyes, optical nerves, kidney and nervous system are most affected by diabetes. According to the European Association for the Study of Diabetes there are certain ways of treating diabetics. “We should choose medicine based on its role in reducing glucose levels in the blood and strike a balance of hemoglobin in the body at seven percent in addition to the use of insulin injections,” explained Dr. Al-Safri. Most important is a change in patients' lifestyle. This includes physical activities and the intake of prescribed medicines. In some cases, an initial phase of oral medicine is accompanied by insulin injections, which is followed – two to three months later - by a second phase aiming to strike a balance of hemoglobin in the blood. In the third phase, the physician will aim to reduce any progression of diabetes by prescribing the use of insulin injections before meals. This phase takes place three months after the first one. Dr. Al-Safri concluded that starting medicine at the right time is essential to controlling diabetes and halting its progress.
