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3 Warning Signs of Diabetes You Must Never Overlook

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Diabetes is a chronic condition that, if left undetected, can lead to severe health complications. Early identification of diabetes symptoms can help you take preventive measures and avoid significant damage to your health. In this article, we explore the warning signs of diabetes that should never be ignored. Recognizing these signs early can make all the difference in managing this condition effectively.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when your body cannot regulate blood sugar levels effectively. This condition is primarily caused by either insufficient insulin production (Type 1 diabetes) or the body’s inability to use insulin properly (Type 2 diabetes). Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage vital organs, nerves, and blood vessels, making early detection and intervention crucial.

3 Warning Signs of Diabetes
1. Constant Thirst (Polydipsia)

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If you find yourself feeling excessively thirsty even after drinking water, especially in cooler weather, this could be a warning sign of diabetes. Constant thirst occurs because high blood sugar levels lead to increased urination, which dehydrates the body. This persistent dehydration triggers your brain to demand more fluids.

What to Do: If you experience unrelenting thirst despite staying hydrated, consult a healthcare provider to check your blood sugar levels.
2. Slow-Healing Wounds

Another critical sign of diabetes is delayed wound healing. High blood sugar levels impair the body’s ability to repair tissues and fight infections. You might notice that even small cuts or bruises take an unusually long time to heal.

Why It Happens: Prolonged exposure to high glucose levels damages blood vessels, reducing the supply of nutrients and oxygen needed for healing.
What to Do: Seek medical attention immediately to address slow-healing wounds and prevent complications like infections or ulcers.
3. Dry and Itchy Skin

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Persistent dry or itchy skin, often mistaken for a rash, can also indicate diabetes. This symptom occurs because high blood sugar can cause dehydration and poor circulation, affecting the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

Other Skin Conditions: Diabetes can also lead to specific skin issues like acanthosis nigricans (dark, velvety patches) or bacterial and fungal infections.
What to Do: If you notice unusual itchiness or dryness, consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation of your blood sugar levels.
Additional Symptoms of Diabetes

While the above signs are critical, other symptoms may indicate diabetes as well:

Symptom Description
Frequent urination: The body tries to get rid of excess glucose through urine.
Unexplained weight loss: The body burns fat and muscle for energy when glucose is unavailable.
Fatigue: High or low blood sugar levels affect energy production.
Blurry vision: High glucose levels can cause swelling in the eye lenses.

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Preventive Steps for Diabetes

Early detection of diabetes symptoms can help you take steps to manage or prevent complications. Below are essential lifestyle changes to consider:

Healthy Diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables.
Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps the body use insulin effectively. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily.
Regular Health Check-Ups: Monitor blood sugar levels regularly, especially if you have a family history of diabetes.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help regulate blood sugar levels.

FAQs About Diabetes
1. What are the early signs of diabetes?

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Early signs include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and dry or itchy skin.

2. Can diabetes be reversed?

Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be managed or even reversed through lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and weight loss. However, Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong insulin therapy.

3. Is dry skin always a sign of diabetes?

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Not always. Dry skin can also result from weather changes, dehydration, or other skin conditions. However, persistent dryness accompanied by other symptoms may indicate diabetes.

4. What foods can help control diabetes?

Foods like leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and omega-3-rich fish (salmon, sardines) can help regulate blood sugar levels.

5. How is diabetes diagnosed?

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Diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests such as fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, or an oral glucose tolerance test.

What do diabetic legs look like?

Diabetic legs can exhibit a range of symptoms, including:

Poor wound healing: Cuts and sores may take a long time to heal or may not heal at all due to nerve damage and reduced blood flow.
Skin infections: People with diabetes are more susceptible to skin infections, especially in areas with poor circulation.
Darkened skin: The skin on the legs may appear thickened and discolored, often in a brownish or purplish hue. This is a sign of poor blood flow.
Swelling: Legs may appear swollen due to fluid retention or poor circulation.
Loss of hair: Hair loss on the legs can be a sign of peripheral neuropathy, a nerve damage associated with diabetes.
Shiny skin: The skin on the legs may appear shiny and taut due to a loss of elasticity.

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Does drinking hot water reduce blood sugar?

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that drinking hot water directly reduces blood sugar levels. However, staying hydrated is important for overall health, including blood sugar management.

How can I flush sugar out of my system fast?

The body naturally processes and removes sugar from the bloodstream. However, there are no quick fixes to “flush out” excess sugar. Here are some general tips for managing blood sugar levels:

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Maintain a healthy diet: Focus on whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and refined carbohydrates.
Regular exercise: Physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively.
Manage stress: Stress can raise blood sugar levels. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
Medications: If prescribed by a doctor, take diabetes medications as directed.

What part of the body itches with diabetes?

Itching is a common symptom of diabetes, often caused by dry skin and nerve damage. Common areas that may itch include:

Hands
Feet
Legs
Groin
Underarms

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What should diabetics drink first thing in the morning?

There is no single “best” drink for diabetics first thing in the morning. However, staying hydrated is important. Here are some options:

Water: Plain water is always a good choice.
Unsweetened tea or coffee: These can be enjoyed in moderation.
Unsweetened plant-based milk: Options like almond milk or soy milk can be a good source of calcium and vitamin D.
Conclusion

Recognizing the warning signs of diabetes—such as constant thirst, slow-healing wounds, and dry skin—is critical in preventing severe complications. Early detection allows for timely intervention, whether through lifestyle changes or medical treatment.

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If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, consult a healthcare provider immediately. Taking proactive steps can improve your quality of life and help you manage diabetes effectively.

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Health

FG to employ 28,000 health workers affected by USAID freeze

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The Federal Government has announced plans to retain 28,000 health workers whose salaries were previously covered by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), whose activities have been halted by US President Donald Trump.

Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, while speaking on Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme, on Friday, announced that the government is working to absorb the health workers into the country’s healthcare system and reduce reliance on foreign aid.

Mr Pate acknowledged the significant contribution of the US government to Nigeria’s healthcare sector, particularly in the areas of HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

He, however, emphasised that Nigeria is determined to take ownership of its healthcare sector and reduce its dependence on external aid.

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“There are health workers, 28,000 of them, who were being paid through US government support. While it has been appreciated, those health workers are Nigerians. We have to find ways to transit them,” he said.

Apart from suspending the USAID which supports healthcare and other development activities across the world, President Trump has also halted the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which supports the global fight against HIV/AIDS.

Following his inauguration on 20 January, President Trump signed multiple executive orders affecting global health funding and significantly impacting developing countries like Nigeria that rely on US assistance for health financing.

Mr Trump signed an order to halt the disbursement of foreign aid to any country for three months. The implementation of this order halted the US global health efforts, including PEPFAR, in low and middle-income countries around the world.

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Although PEPFAR was issued a limited waiver a week later, allowing it to restart some services, the situation has remained fluid. PEPFAR is a major programme through which HIV interventions in Nigeria are funded.

The situation was also worsened by the US government’s decision to suspend USAID’s activities. The agency implements many US health programmes in Nigeria and other developing countries.

All USAID interventions in Nigeria and across the world have been suspended with the American president’s team, led by billionaire Elon Musk, saying they are auditing the agency to check waste and corruption in the system.

To mitigate the impact of the US policy shift, the Nigerian Senate recently allocated an additional N300 billion to the health sector in the 2025 budget. This additional budgetary allocation is expected to take care of the 28,000 health workers, among other issues in the sector.

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According to Mr Pate, about 70 per cent of the country’s total health expenditure comes from private sources, including out-of-pocket payments by citizens, while only 30 per cent is publicly financed.

“Our total health spends in Nigeria, the total health expenditure: 30 per cent is public, 70 per cent is private,” he said, emphasising the financial burden on individuals seeking medical care.

While external assistance has played a role in supporting healthcare programmes, the minister noted that it is not the primary source of Nigeria’s health funding.

“The component of overseas development assistance for health is not the largest chunk of our health expenditure,” he stated.

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However, the reliance on foreign aid for critical services such as HIV, TB, and malaria has made the country vulnerable to shifts in donor policies, as seen with the recent changes in US government funding.

Mr Pate stressed the need for increased domestic investment in healthcare, citing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises human capital development and increased healthcare funding.

He highlighted the government’s recent approval of nearly $1 billion to improve health service delivery across the country.

“We’ve seen deliberate efforts to mobilise resources to invest in health. Just last week, the Federal Executive Council approved almost a billion dollars in terms of financing for the programme. That is a significant resource that states will implement. It’s a programme for results that will deliver better, but it will take time,” he said.

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Mr Pate further highlighted that the government is working to address Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imports for its pharmaceutical needs, noting that the country imports the vast majority of its medical supplies.

“Can you believe that more than 70 per cent of our drugs, we import with foreign exchange that we didn’t have? So, if we can flip it over time. 99 per cent of our medical devices, we import them,” he said.

He acknowledged that reversing this trend will not happen overnight but emphasised that the government is committed to changing the trajectory.

He pointed to efforts aimed at increasing local production of essential medical commodities, including antibiotics, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.

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“Now, if we flip that over time, that is not going to take place overnight, but we have to be on that path,” he added.

“Healthcare is not cheap. Quality healthcare is not cheap. You have to invest in it. We as a country had not invested in it, and yet we had been asking for the highest quality health.”

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Health

NAFDAC discovers depot for expired drugs in Abia

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Friday uncovered a major operation depot dealing in expired and falsified drugs at Umumeje village, Osisioma Ngwa area of Abia State.

NAFDAC disclosed this in a statement on X, saying it revealed that the illegal operation was being run from multiple buildings near the Ariaria International Market.

According to the agency, the expired medicines were repackaged and revalidated for resale, posing a significant health risk to consumers.

“Seized items consisted of expired potassium chloride, allergy medications, immune boosters, and cholesterol treatments,” the statement read.

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“Machines used to rebrand and alter expiry dates were also discovered on-site. Despite efforts to reach him, he showed no concern for his detained family members,” the statement read.

The raid led to the arrest of several individuals associated with the operation. However, the prime suspect behind the illicit trade remains at large.

https://twitter.com/NafdacAgency/status/1890352992877949031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

NAFDAC stated that the operation, conducted in collaboration with security agencies, is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing crackdown on the circulation of counterfeit drugs in the country.

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The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating the distribution of substandard and falsified drugs in Nigeria, saying it is is currently reviewing its laws to impose stricter penalties on individuals and organisations involved in the production and distribution of dangerous pharmaceutical products.

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Sokoto warns parents resisting polio immunisation

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Sokoto State has issued a stern warning to parents resisting polio immunisation, stressing that non-compliance will not be tolerated in the state’s fight to eradicate the disease.

In a directive aimed at curbing resistance, the state has mandated its officials to report any cases of parents hindering immunisation efforts during vaccination campaigns.

The directive was announced by Sokoto’s Deputy Governor, Idris Gobir, at a United Nations Representatives’ meeting held on Wednesday at the Command Guest Inn in Sokoto.

The meeting included local government chairmen, religious leaders, and traditional rulers.

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Gobir’s announcement followed a report from the state’s Commissioner of Health, Dr. Faruk Abubakar, highlighting ongoing challenges in the battle against polio, including non-compliance from some parents and inaccuracies in data collection during immunisation drives.

“We already have a standing committee and sub-committees at the local and ward levels that are focused on tackling resistance to polio immunisation. Our government has the necessary resources, personnel, and capacity to eliminate the virus, but despite our efforts, the continued presence of polio in Sokoto remains a serious concern,” Gobir stated.

In her address, the UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Mrs. Christian Munduate, expressed concern over the rising number of polio cases in Sokoto North and South, warning that these areas have the highest number of polio infections in the country.

She also raised alarm about the widespread issue of fake fingerprint markings, where some parents and vaccinators falsely claim that children have been immunised, undermining efforts to eradicate the disease.

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Munduate called for increased collaboration between government agencies, traditional leaders, and international partners to address these persistent challenges and ensure the success of immunisation campaigns.

The meeting saw contributions from various stakeholders, including a representative of the Sultan of Sokoto and District Head of Wurno, Kabir Alhassan, and the Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Health, Kabir Dauda, who delivered goodwill messages reinforcing the importance of collective action in the fight against polio.

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