The National Health Service (NHS) is advising individuals to contact the emergency number 111 if they notice four symptoms that could indicate a potentially life-threatening illness. Diabetes is a serious and chronic health condition characterized by high blood sugar levels, with two main types known as type 1 and type 2.
Type 2 diabetes, the more prevalent form, can be triggered by factors such as excess weight, sedentary lifestyle, or family history. On the other hand, the exact cause of type 1 diabetes remains unidentified. While type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented or cured, both types can be managed with medications, emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis.
To raise awareness, the NHS is highlighting four key symptoms that individuals should watch out for. These include frequent urination, excessive thirst, persistent fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Recognizing these signs early is crucial as untreated diabetes can have severe consequences.
The NHS underlines the urgency of seeking medical attention if someone suspects they or their child might have type 1 diabetes. It is imperative to act promptly as these symptoms are not exclusive to type 1 diabetes but also affect individuals with type 2 diabetes.
In addition to the four common symptoms, other indicators of type 1 diabetes can manifest rapidly over a few days or weeks. Similarly, signs of type 2 diabetes, though similar, may develop gradually and are not exclusive to any specific age group.
Statistics from Diabetes UK reveal that over 5.8 million people in the UK are currently living with diabetes, marking a record high. Of these, nearly 4.6 million have received a formal diagnosis, while approximately 1.3 million individuals may have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Notably, the majority of diabetes cases in the UK are diagnosed as type 2.
The data emphasizes the importance of early detection and management of diabetes to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.