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By Dr Said Qabbaah
Medical Writer & Public Health Expert
Expert Contributor in Family Flavours Magazine
In Jordan, diabetes affects about one in five adults, which is more than 1 million people in total. This means that many families are affected by this condition and detecting this condition early on is paramount.
Globally
Diabetes is one of the most common long-term health conditions worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. Interestingly enough, many do not realise they have it until health problems arise.
Understanding diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where your body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Normally, a hormone called insulin helps move glucose from your blood into the cells to be used as energy. But in diabetes, this process is disrupted.
There are several types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes happens when your immune system attacks the pancreas, the organ responsible for producing insulin. It often develops early in life
Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common form, accounting for around 90 per cent of all cases. It develops when your body does not produce enough insulin or when it doesn't respond properly to it. It’s usually seen in older adults, but is becoming more common in younger people as well
Gestational diabetes is a specific type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It usually resolves after birth but increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life
Why early detection matters
Diabetes can remain silent for years. Many people with diabetes have no obvious symptoms at first and may only be diagnosed during a routine check-up or when being tested for another condition.
By the time it is discovered, damage to blood vessels, nerves, eyes, or kidneys may already have begun. Thus, detecting diabetes early offers several benefits:
1.Preventing complications
The longer high blood sugar levels remain untreated, the greater your risk of complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, vision loss and nerve damage. Identifying diabetes at an early stage gives you, and healthcare professionals, the chance to intervene before these complications develop
2.Improving treatment outcomes
Early detection means treatment can start sooner. With appropriate lifestyle changes, medication, or insulin therapy (depending on the type of diabetes), you can achieve better control of your blood sugar levels and improve your long-term health
3.Knowledge equals power
Learning about diabetes at an early stage gives you more time to understand your condition, adopt healthier habits and also access support services, if necessary. This proactive approach can make a real difference in maintaining good health
4.Reducing healthcare costs
Treating advanced complications of diabetes is often more complex and expensive than managing the condition from the beginning. Early diagnosis and management can help you reduce both the health and financial burdens often associated with diabetes
Recognising the signs & symptoms
Although diabetes can develop gradually with no obvious signs, there are common symptoms that you should be aware of, including:
Increased thirst
Frequent urination, especially at night
Unexplained weight loss
Extreme tiredness
Blurred vision
Slow healing of cuts and wounds
Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
Not everyone will experience all of these symptoms and some may even be too mild to notice. However, if any of these signs appear for no particular reason, or if something feels out of the ordinary, it's important that you seek medical advice quickly.
What are the risk factors?
Some people are more likely to develop diabetes because of a mix of genetic and lifestyle factors, especially type 2 diabetes. Understanding these risks can encourage earlier testing and support better prevention. Important risk factors are:
Family history of diabetes
Being overweight or obese
Lack of physical activity
Being over 40 years old
High blood pressure or high cholesterol
History of gestational diabetes
If you have one or more of these risk factors, you should consider regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, even if you're feeling well.
Screening and diagnosis
Screening programmes, especially for people at high risk, are an effective way of detecting diabetes before symptoms appear. Healthcare providers can diagnose diabetes through simple blood tests that measure glucose levels.
These tests include checking fasting blood sugar test, which checks your blood sugar after a period without eating; the HbA1c test, which measures your average blood sugar levels over the previous two to three months; and the oral glucose tolerance test, which assesses how your body responds to a sugary drink.
Lifestyle and diabetes prevention
While not all cases of diabetes can be prevented, particularly type 1, early detection often goes hand in hand with lifestyle changes that support better health. For type 2 diabetes, small adjustments to daily habits can make a big difference. These changes not only lower your risk of developing diabetes, but also help those already living with the condition manage it more effectively.
These include:
Maintaining a balanced diet focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and reducing processed foods and sugary drinks
Regular physical activity aiming for at least 2hours of moderate activity per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling
Maintaining a healthy weight that supports your wellbeing. Even a small amount of weight loss can make a meaningful difference in lowering your risk of type 2 diabetes
Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol as these both contribute to better overall health and lower the risk of complications
Diabetes is a common condition that can have serious consequences if left undetected or untreated. That’s why understanding it matters because it helps you take control of your health and make smarter choices.
By keeping a regular check on your health and practising proactive self-care, you can catch problems early, prevent complications and manage diabetes with confidence. Small steps today can lead to a healthier, stronger tomorrow.
You can contact Dr Said Qabbaah at
