Three must-know things about three important things.

Diabetes
Diabetes actually refers to several conditions but the most common and important is Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (adult-onset diabetes, not usually requiring of insulin treatment), which is what we are considering here.

  • Diabetes (Type 2) is characterised by persistently raised blood sugar levels (caused by problem with insulin response). These blood sugar levels, over a period of time, damage the blood vessels that circulate oxygen and more around the body. This in turns leads to several serious problems including heart disease, stroke, vision problems, kidney problems, etc.
  • Diabetes (type 2) is a lifestyle disease. It is almost always caused by being overweight. BUT  there is also a genetic element (family history confers increased risk) and not every overweight person develops diabetes. There is still much to understand but for now the very best way to reduce the risk of developing Diabetes, is to maintain a healthy weight.
  • Raised blood sugar can cause symptoms like itchy skin, blurred vision, excessive thirst and frequent urination, but many people with early or pre Diabetes have no noticeable symptoms. Blood testing is therefore the best way to screen for possible Diabetes.

Drowsiness
Excessive daytime sleepiness can be a very real problem for many people.

  • The most common causes of drowsiness are not medical per se, but have more to do with lifestyle and life balance. Inadequate sleep (less than 7-8 hours each night), stress, and anxiety are probably the most common issues for working-age adults.
  • Potential medical causes include sleep apnoea, diabetes, chronic pain, thyroid hormone imbalances, depression, and medication side effects.
  • Many of us become “hardened” to feeling tired, thinking that this is somehow “normal” or even, ironically, admirable!  But we might do better to pause and consider the causes.  It is possible to feel better.

Dry skin
Uncomfortable dry skin can be quite a problem for some people. It may also signal underlying medical issues in some cases, although this is not common.

  • Possible causes of dry skin include medication side effects, diabetes, allergies, and actual skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. But most cases have no particular cause and have to be considered “individuality”. Anyone with severe dry skin, or a recent change in their skin, should see a doctor.
  • It often helps to avoid or minimise contact with water, especially very hot water. Shorter showers, lukewarm rather than piping hot water, gentle dabbing with the towel, can all help.
  • Good simple soaps and then moisturisers with no added chemicals (perfumes, colours), applied liberally and immediately after bathing, can be helpful.

Written by Dr Colin Burns