By Regina Kwapong
Renowned medical doctor and founder of EYA medical consult, Dr. Esther Yesutor Agbozo addressed some misconceptions about diabetes during a discussion about creating diabetes awareness on GTV’s Breakfast Show on November 13, 2024.
During the discussion, Dr. Esther revealed three primary classic symptoms of diabetes. These include Polyurea, characterized by frequent and excessive urination; Polyphagia, where individuals experience heightened hunger alongside unexplained weight loss; and Polydipsia, the constant need for water intake due to persistent thirst. These revelations serve as crucial indicators for individuals to recognize potential signs of diabetes early on and seek appropriate medical attention.
In addition to unveiling key symptoms of diabetes, Dr. Esther tackled prevalent misconceptions surrounding the condition during the discussion. Stressing the importance of addressing these misunderstandings seriously, she emphasized the need for correct information to ensure proper understanding and management of diabetes.
She said, “There’s a lot of misconception about diabetes, right? Some people assume that diabetes is a sickness of fat people. Some people believe that you get diabetes when you eat a lot of sugar, right?”.
Misconception 1: Diabetes Solely Affects Overweight Individuals- Many people mistakenly associate diabetes with being overweight. However, diabetes can occur in individuals of all body types, highlighting the importance of understanding the various risk factors involved. Misconception 2: Sugar Consumption as the Sole Cause- Another prevalent misconception is linking diabetes solely to excessive sugar consumption. While diet plays a role in diabetes management, the condition is influenced by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Misconception 3: No Family History, No Risk of Diabetes- Some individuals believe that without a family history of diabetes, they are not at risk of developing the condition. Diabetes risk factors are diverse and encompass more than just genetic predisposition, underscoring the need for comprehensive understanding.
Furthermore, shedding light on these misconceptions, Dr. Esther aimed to promote awareness and education to empower individuals in navigating the complexities of diabetes with accuracy and clarity.