Diabetes: early symptoms and who should get tested

World Diabetes Day falls on November 14, which is a good reason to check your risk.

Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, constant tiredness, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds and unexplained weight loss. Many people, however, have no symptoms at first, which is why testing matters.

Indians tend to develop diabetes at a younger age and at a lower body weight, so many doctors advise a test from about age 30 to 35, and earlier if you are overweight, have a large waist, have a parent or sibling with diabetes, have high blood pressure, have had gestational diabetes or have PCOS.

The usual tests are a fasting blood sugar, a post-meal sugar and an HbA1c, which reflects your average sugar over about three months. Your doctor will explain what your result means, including whether you are in the 'pre-diabetes' range, which can often be reversed.

Regular activity, a diet with less sugar and refined flour, a healthy weight, enough sleep and no tobacco all lower the risk.

General information, not medical advice. Please see a doctor for any health concern.