Diabetes: why regular checkups are so important
Find out what tests are recommended for the early detection of diabetes and how often they need to be performed.
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic medical conditions worldwide and often develops gradually, especially Type 2 diabetes. Many sufferers do not even realise that they have the disease at first. The symptoms are often non-specific and easily overlooked. For this reason, early detection is essential to reduce the risk of secondary complications.
Why is early diagnosis so important?
Detecting diabetes early on can make a world of difference. This is because, over time, the effects of undetected diabetes can cause serious damage to various organs. These include the cardiovascular system, the kidneys and the eyes. In particular, type 2 diabetes often develops over a period of many years without any obvious symptoms and is, therefore, frequently not diagnosed until complications arise.
Early warning signs of diabetes
The earliest signs of incipient diabetes are often difficult to interpret. The most common symptoms include:
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination: this is one of the classic signs that the body is trying to remove excrete sugar through the urine.
- Fatigue and lack of energy: feeling exhausted all the time, even after getting enough sleep, is a possible sign of diabetes.
- Unexplained weight loss: In Type 1 diabetes especially, the body tends to lose weight quickly while it tries to get the energy it needs from body fat.
- Blurred vision: high blood sugar levels may cause the lenses in the eyes to become swollen, leading to vision problems.
- Wounds taking a long time to heal: high blood sugar levels slow down the healing of wounds and increase the risk of infection.
What tests are relevant?
Blood glucose test: this test measures the concentration of glucose in the blood. It can be performed as a once-only measurement or in long-term monitoring.
HbA1c test: known as the long-term blood glucose level, this provides information about the average blood sugar level over the previous two to three months. A HbA1c value exceeding 6.5% is considered an indicator of diabetes.
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): this test involves drinking a special glucose solution and measuring blood sugar levels after two hours. This test is performed particularly for high-risk groups to identify an abnormal tolerance to glucose.
How often should you have yourself tested?
How often you should be tested depends on a number of factors, including your age, weight and family history. Generally, though,
- Starting at age 45: every three years, assuming the absence of risk factors.
- For people who are overweight or have a family history of the condition: every two years starting at age 35.
- Pregnant mothers: special diabetes screening between weeks 24 and 28.
- Regular blood sugar and HbA1c tests as part of preventive care.
- Nutrition counselling and diabetes coaching to help with lifestyle changes.
- Special programmes for high-risk patients to help prevent and manage diabetes.
- Contact your health insurance provider for more information about the specific services they offer and if you are eligible for any of their programmes.
Preventive measures in day-to-day life: how to minimise your risk
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
- Nutrition: avoid ultra-processed foods and make sure you eat plenty of fibre.
- Exercise: just 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day can make a positive difference.
- Weight: maintaining a healthy weight significantly reduces the risk.
