Diabetes: Early Detection is Key to Management

    Diabetes isn't just a Thai health concern—it's a global epidemic that may be closer to you than you realize. According to the International Diabetes Federation, 537 million people worldwide lived with diabetes in 2021, with projections reaching 643 million by 2030. In Thailand alone, 2022 saw 3.3 million total patients, approximately 300,000 new diagnoses, and 16,388 diabetes-related deaths.

Understanding Diabetes

    At its core, diabetes results from abnormal blood sugar regulation. Insulin, the body's key blood sugar regulator, either isn't produced in sufficient quantities or encounters resistance from cells. This leads to steadily rising blood sugar levels which, if poorly managed, can trigger serious complications.

Know Your Risk Factors

    Diabetes risk stems from both uncontrollable and controllable factors:

    Genetics: Having parents or siblings with diabetes increases your risk

    Age: Risk rises significantly after age 45

    Ethnicity: Higher prevalence among Asian, African, and Latin American populations

Controllable factors include:

    Weight: Excess weight, particularly abdominal fat, increases insulin resistance

    Physical activity: Sedentary lifestyles impair your body's ability to use sugar effectively

    Diet: Consuming excessive sugar, refined flour, and saturated fats raises risk

    Stress: Chronic stress affects hormones that regulate blood sugar

    Lifestyle choices: Smoking and alcohol consumption increase insulin resistance and complications

When to Get Screened

    Consider diabetes screening if you:

    Are 35+ and have never been screened

    Have a BMI of 23 kg/m² or higher

    Have family history of diabetes

    Exercise infrequently

    Have high blood pressure or abnormal blood lipids

    Have insulin resistance conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome

    Had gestational diabetes during pregnancy

    Previously recorded elevated blood sugar levels

Recognizing the Warning Signs

    Early diabetes often presents few symptoms. However, significantly elevated blood sugar may cause:

    Frequent urination, especially at night

    Persistent thirst

    Increased hunger

    Weight loss despite increased food intake

    Frequent infections

    Slow-healing wounds

    If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical screening.

Managing Diabetes Effectively

    While diabetes remains a chronic, incurable condition, early detection dramatically improves outcomes. Modern medications effectively reduce and control blood sugar levels when taken consistently. Successful management requires:

Regular medication as prescribed

    Consistent medical follow-ups

    Crucial lifestyle and dietary modifications

The Importance of Compliance

    Neglecting treatment, inconsistent medication use, and failing to modify diet and behavior leads to serious complications including kidney failure and cardiovascular disease—potentially resulting in disability or premature death.

    If you have risk factors or symptoms, please follow the screening recommendations above. With proper management, diabetes need not control your life.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattada Areepiam and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bodin Tiwasuwan

Faculty of Pharmacy Chulalongkorn University