Did you know that nearly half of people with diabetes are unaware of their condition? Type 2 diabetes often develops without obvious symptoms, making prevention and screening essential to act before complications arise.
Understanding Diabetes and Its Different Types
Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by excess sugar in the blood, known as hyperglycemia. There are mainly two types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, which is autoimmune in origin, and type 2 diabetes, the most common form, often linked to environmental and lifestyle factors. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and increases health risks for both mother and child.
Type 2 diabetes accounts for nearly 90% of cases. It develops slowly, sometimes over several years, without clear symptoms. This silent progression highlights the need for increased vigilance, especially among those at risk.
The consequences of undiagnosed diabetes can be severe: cardiovascular diseases, kidney damage, vision problems, and even amputations. This underlines the importance of early action and being well-informed about warning signs.
Risk Factors: Who Should Be Concerned?
Certain factors significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Knowing these risks is crucial for adapting your habits and considering regular screening.
The main risk factors include:
- Family history: Having close relatives (parents, siblings) with diabetes increases your risk.
- Overweight or obesity: Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, promotes insulin resistance.
- Age over 45: As we age, metabolism changes and the pancreas becomes less efficient.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity contributes to weight gain and reduced insulin sensitivity.
- High blood pressure and cholesterol disorders: These conditions are often associated with diabetes.
- History of gestational diabetes: Women who had diabetes during pregnancy or gave birth to a baby weighing over 4 kg are at higher risk.
It is important to note that combining several of these factors multiplies the risk. People with multiple risk factors should be especially vigilant.
Recognizing Early Signs of Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes often remains asymptomatic for a long time. However, certain signs should prompt you to consult a healthcare professional.
- Unusual and persistent fatigue without an obvious cause.
- Excessive thirst and a dry mouth.
- Frequent urination, especially at night.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Frequent infections (urinary, skin) or slow healing.
- Temporary vision problems (blurred vision).
If these symptoms persist, it is important to schedule a blood test. A simple blood glucose test is often enough to guide the diagnosis and determine if further follow-up is needed.
The Importance of Screening: When and How to Get Tested?
Early screening helps limit the progression of the disease and prevents the onset of severe complications. It is recommended to get tested if you have risk factors, even if you have no symptoms.
Screening is based on a fasting blood glucose test. If your blood sugar is equal to or greater than 1.26 g/l on two occasions, diabetes is diagnosed. An HbA1c test may also be offered to assess your average blood sugar over the past three months.
General practitioners, health centers, and some laboratories offer free or covered screening campaigns. Do not hesitate to discuss screening with your doctor during a routine check-up, especially as you approach your forties or if you have several risk factors.
- Request a screening test at your next health check-up if you are over 45 or have a family history of diabetes.
- Monitor your weight and adopt a balanced diet to reduce your risk.
- Pay attention to unusual symptoms (fatigue, thirst, repeated infections).
- Engage in regular physical activity, even if moderate.
Preventing Diabetes: Simple and Effective Actions
Diabetes prevention largely depends on adopting a healthy lifestyle. Even modest changes have a proven positive impact on preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Diet plays a central role: favor foods with a low glycemic index (vegetables, whole grains, legumes), limit consumption of fast sugars, saturated fats, and ultra-processed foods. A balanced diet should ideally be combined with regular physical activity: brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or any activity suited to your abilities.
Combating a sedentary lifestyle is also essential. Simple tips can help you move more each day: take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk at least 30 minutes daily, and reduce time spent sitting in front of screens.
- Plan balanced meals rich in fiber and low in fast sugars.
- Incorporate physical activity into your routine, even in small steps.
- Control your weight and regularly measure your waist circumference.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
The Role of Medical Follow-Up and Regular Screening
Regular medical follow-up allows for early detection of any blood sugar abnormalities and the implementation of appropriate measures. Ongoing communication with your doctor is key to preventing diabetes and managing associated risk factors (such as high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, etc.).
If you are diagnosed with prediabetes (blood sugar above normal but not yet diabetic), personalized support is offered. This includes nutritional advice, encouragement to be physically active, and sometimes psychological support to help maintain motivation.
Awareness campaigns, occasionally organized in healthcare facilities or workplaces, are opportunities to get informed and benefit from free testing. Staying alert to these initiatives gives you the best chance to act early.
Mini FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes Screening
Q: How often should I get screened if I have no symptoms?
If you have no symptoms, it is recommended to get screened every three years starting at age 45, or earlier if you have risk factors (overweight, family history, high blood pressure, etc.).
Q: Is diabetes screening covered by health insurance?
Yes, fasting blood glucose screening prescribed by a doctor is fully covered by health insurance. Some locally organized screening campaigns are also free of charge.
Key Takeaways
Key point: Diabetes screening is a simple step that allows you to act before complications arise. Identifying risk factors and adopting healthy habits are your best allies in prevention.
Important note: This information is general and does not replace professional medical advice.