January 18, 2021
Diabetes is classified as a public health concern in the Philippines largely due to two things, the many complications that may arise from poor management of the disease and the cost implications for care of individuals.[1] The 2105 paper on Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and Pre-Diabetes in the Philippines cites eye-opening figures, such as a 7.2% prevalence of diabetes, more people with diabetes in urban areas and more females having diabetes than males.[2]
The first step to managing the disease is to know what to watch out for. Here are the common symptoms and signs of diabetes, defined as a “metabolic disorder” that happens when blood sugar is too high[3].
Symptoms common to men and women include the following[4]
Other early indicators of diabetes are dry mouth and itchy skin, as more fluids are expelled from the body, leaving the body dehydrated and with less moisture[5]
There are some signs of diabetes that are unique to men[6], as follows:
Signs to watch out for in a child with Type 1 diabetes (no insulin production, previously called juvenile diabetes) are the following[7]
Type 2 diabetes may be indicated by symptoms such as yeast infections, slow-healing cuts or sores, pain or numbness in feet or legs. On the other hand, if you suffer unplanned weight loss or experience nausea and vomiting, Type 1 diabetes may be the culprit.[8]
[1] Jimeno, C., Kho, S., Matawaran, B., Duante, C., Jasul, G. [2015, April-June]. Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and Pre-Diabetes in the Philippines: A Sub-study of the 7th National Nutrition and Health Survey (2008). Retrieved from https://www.pcp.org.ph/files/PJIM%20Vol53%20No2/Prevalence_of_Diabetes_Mellitus_and_Pre-Diabetes_in_the_Philippines_A_Sub-study_of_the_7th_National_Nutrition_and_Health_Survey_2008.pdf
[2] Jimeno, C., Kho, S., Matawaran, B., Duante, C., Jasul, G. [2015, April-June]. Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and Pre-Diabetes in the Philippines: A Sub-study of the 7th National Nutrition and Health Survey (2008). Retrieved from https://www.pcp.org.ph/files/PJIM%20Vol53%20No2/Prevalence_of_Diabetes_Mellitus_and_Pre-Diabetes_in_the_Philippines_A_Sub-study_of_the_7th_National_Nutrition_and_Health_Survey_2008.pdf
[3] Cunha, J. [2019, July]. Diabetes Early Symptoms and Signs. Retrieved from https://www.medicinenet.com/diabetes_symptoms_in_men/article.htm
[4] Cunha, J. [2019, July]. Diabetes Early Symptoms and Signs. Retrieved from https://www.medicinenet.com/diabetes_symptoms_in_men/article.htm
[5] Webmd.com. [2019, June]. Early Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/understanding-diabetes-symptoms#1
[6] Cunha, J. [2019, July]. Diabetes Early Symptoms and Signs. Retrieved from https://www.medicinenet.com/diabetes_symptoms_in_men/article.htm#what_warning_signs_and_symptoms_of_diabetes_are_the_same_in_men_and_women
[7] Diabetes.org. [n.d.] Diabetes symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/type-1/symptoms
[8] Webmd.com. [2019, June]. Early Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/understanding-diabetes-symptoms#1