Have you tested for diabetes?

“Do not be fooled. Get to know your status today. You can only prevent what you expect. Avoid surprises and be in charge of your own life!” runs one of my favorite billboards. It is my favorite not only because of its perfect wording but also for the fact that unlike most billboards (which are in most cases business oriented) the message in this one is factual. Nothing can be as closer to the truth! Given the opportunity, everyone would be happy to be in charge of their lives – that is to say to decide what happens to their health, lives and wellbeing.

“But is it possible for one to be the drivers of their own life?” Asked a friend who seemed not to believe the message on the billboard. Her imagination was that nothing can make one able to decide or even know what happens to their lives. However, her fears were quickly allayed. For the answer came clear; “yes, you can take full charge of your life through diabetes testing.”

Diabetes has become one of the most common ailments of our time. It does not matter how old or affluent you are, diabetes now attack virtually persons from all walks of life. That does not sound like good news and indeed it isn’t. But as the old adage goes, ‘every cloud has a silver lining.’ This is also true for diabetes. With diabetes testing, one need not worry anymore. In fact when testing for diabetes, you can even test for other possible ailments like ulcers, hypertension and others. But the question may still remain; why should one go for diabetes testing and who should test for diabetes?

Diabetes testing for all

Like all other ailments, you do not need to fall sick to test. Man can no longer afford to work in retrospect! There is no reason to wait for all the horses to bolt in order to close the stable door! In brief, we all need diabetes testing. This does not segregate on the basis of age, gender, financial ability or any other physical characteristic. For everyone who considers him/herself human should test for diabetes. Even when you have already been diagnosed of diabetes, its very important that you continue testing regularly so that you can keep track of your progress, especially if you are on medication.

We possibly should give more time to those who have not yet tested and those who feel they do not need the test. Simple logic will be employed here – for example let’s consider the following scenarios;

You have two friends. You have never visited any of these friends before. One day you decide to visit both of them. The first friend has a tough dog at his home. As you enter, he warns you of the dog and advises that you walk slowly lest it attack you. You follow his instructions and enter the house peacefully. The second friend also has a dog at his home but does not warn you of its presence and being new at the place, you walk in without the least warning. Here the dog attacks you and nearly tears you apart.

Now, these two are your friends. Who of the two would you consider an understanding and caring friend? I presume the first one who warned you in advance is the one you would appreciate. And yes, this is absolutely correct. So do you understand why you need diabetes testing?

It is just fair enough to conclude that someone who can not see the value of testing for diabetes is nothing but a personal enemy. We all need the test just like we all need healthy lives. Therefore, take yourself and all the persons under your care to test for diabetes. The truth is that you can access the service in most health facilities in your area of residence, no matter where you live.
So have you and your family tested for diabetes?