Like many who develop type 2 diabetes, Tang Wing-ming ignored his illness until it was too late. Today, the 51-year-old wishes he had not waited for more than 10 years before seeking treatment.
'I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1991. But at the time, I had no symptoms. So I took the pills for two weeks and then forgot about the whole thing,' he said. 'It wasn't until I was admitted to hospital in 2002 ... that I found out I was in trouble.'
Doctors diagnosed blocked vessels, dangerously high cholesterol and rocketing glucose levels. Despite drug treatment and a change in diet, Mr Tang lost his eyesight and had a toe amputated. Last year, he spent 48 days in hospital for a number of operations.
'I never paid much attention to what I ate. I didn't care if it was fatty or not. Plus I didn't exercise much and often stayed up very late at night. Now I know not to eat sweets or fried foods,' said Mr Tang. 'I really regret not doing something earlier.'
