Why should you get tested for diabetes?

     Nowadays, we increasingly find that younger individuals, especially those of working age, adolescents, or children with obesity, are being diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes is considered a “silent threat” as it may not present any noticeable symptoms. However, this does not mean that one is not at risk of developing the disease.

How Can One Know if They Have Diabetes?

     Diabetes can only be confirmed through a blood test. Nevertheless, certain symptoms, such as dry mouth and throat, frequent thirst, frequent urination (especially at night), unexplained weight loss, or wounds that heal slowly, should not be overlooked. These signs warrant screening to determine whether one may have diabetes.

High-Risk Groups for Diabetes

The Diabetes Association of Thailand recommends that individuals in the following risk groups undergo screening:

• Individuals aged 35 and older
• Individuals under the age of 35 who are at risk, such as those who:
  • Are overweight (with a Body Mass Index [BMI] of 25 kg/m² or higher)
  • Have parents or siblings with diabetes
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Have high blood cholesterol or triglycerides
  • Have previously experienced gestational diabetes or have given birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kilograms
  • Have cardiovascular disease
  • Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

More Detail

Recommendations Before a Diabetes Screening

     It is recommended that diabetes screening be performed at least once a year. As diabetes is a preventable disease, prevention is always better than treatment. Early detection allows for timely intervention and can help prevent complications such as diabetic retinopathy, kidney disease, diabetic foot ulcers, cardiovascular disease, or stroke. In severe cases, complications can even be life-threatening.

Revised on:

14 November 2024