Our Medical Director, Dr Tang Features in the Press for Men's Health Awareness Week, Shattering the Silence on Diabetes Ignorance Among Men.
NINETY-SIX per cent of men haven’t the foggiest idea what the tell-tale signs of diabetes are.
Only a meagre six in 100, would be able to suspect they might have the disease, according to new stats released.
Extreme fatigue, an urge to urinate frequently and a dry mouth are common signs of the condition which affects more than five million Brits – yet most males wouldn’t make the connection.
During this national Men’s Health Week and Diabetes Week – as well as Father’s Day landing this Sunday (June 18) - leading private healthcare clinic, Pall Mall, has today released the shock data to raise awareness and highlight the warning signs.
“There are two variations of diabetes,” explained medical director Dr Chun Tang.
“Type 1 is a lifelong condition where the body's immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin – a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy.
“However, in type 2 diabetes, the pancreas makes less insulin than it used to, and your body becomes resistant to insulin.”
Dr Tang explains it is Type 2, that is the most common form, with 90 percent of diabetics fitting into this category.
“If symptoms are detected early, the condition may be managed with meds and can even be reversed with lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise,” added Dr Tang.
“However, if type 2 goes undiagnosed for years it can lead to extremely serious health consequences including the loss of limbs and even death.”
Dr Tang and the team at Pall Mall commissioned the survey by Onepoll who quizzed 1,000 blokes on various health issues.
When the men, whose age ranged from 18 to 65 and over, was asked which of the following health issues they were confident they could identify, just six percent stated they knew the early warning signs of diabetes.
“This highlights the ignorance men have when it comes to their own health, and the risks they are putting themselves under,” added Dr Tang.
“When diabetes goes undiagnosed it can lead to serious health consequences. In extreme cases this can result in loss of limbs, and even death,” he added.
“Yet when detected early, it can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication,” he added.
“Unfortunately, if men aren’t aware of the common red flags they may not get tested and diagnosed. They could be sleep-walking into a diabetes coma – literally.”
On Sunday the 18th of June, millions of dads with be waking up to Father’s Day.
“If ever there was a time to highlight men’s health ignorance, now is the time,” added Dr Tang.
“If you have a father, treat him this father day by educating him on the symptoms of diabetes and if there is any suspicion – get him to have a test.
“All men over 40 should be doing this anyway,”
If you are concerned about your health and would like to book a private GP appointment either in person, via video call or phone call. Please give us a call on 03300 27 26 49 or click here to enquire.