Real-life issues and The Doc Replies

Our expert answers your medical questions

I am thirsty and tired all of the time and constantly need to go to the toilet. Is this normal? I fear I might have type 2 diabetes?

Doctors know there is a lot of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, a disease on the rise because of increasing obesity. Type 1 diabetes is much less common and occurs where the body does not make enough insulin. In Type 2, your body makes insulin, but not enough. It is more common in those aged 40 plus, can run in families and is more common in South Asian people. It is also more likely to develop if you had diabetes in pregnancy.

Symptoms are thirst, passing more urine, fatigue and sometimes weight loss. Complications – including furring of the arteries, kidney or nerve damage, foot or eye problems, and impotence – can occur if the condition is ignored. Your doctor will arrange regular checks of blood sugar levels, your diet, other blood tests and foot, eye and urine checks. It is important smokers with diabetes stop smoking. It is essential blood pressure is well controlled. However, it is possible, in some cases, to reverse diabetes with changes in lifestyle – through losing weight and exercise. See your GP, who can assess you thoroughly.

My friends say using the morning after contraceptive pill too many times causes infertility, is this true? I’m 22.

No, it is not true. However although it will not affect your fertility, you should not rely on it as a method of contraception, because it is not 100% effective. A contraceptive coil could be fitted instead, which is more effective and it can stay in as a method of contraception. It can be fitted up to five days after intercourse. My 13-year-old daughter had her first period 18 months ago. It lasted five days and then disappeared and has never returned. She shows all the other signs of puberty and is not unwell. Should I be worried?

Probably not, especially if she shows other signs of puberty. This is common. Periods can stop for all sorts of reasons and usually there is no worrying cause. However, I would recommend seeing your GP for blood tests for reassurance.

The Doc Replies

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