Need A Diabetes Diagnosis? Ask An Ant!

Filed in archive Challenges on July 19, 2006

Could these tiny little insects be smarter than we are? Maybe not, but they're much better at following their instincts. The number of people who ignore their diabetes--often only acknowledging it once severe complications arise--continues to increase. So does the number of people who do not get a proper diagnosis.

Ferrer, a diabetologist, told a press conference Monday that most patients notice and take the disease seriously only when they experience complications.

This is why they chose the theme, "Mabuti pa ang Langgam, alam... Diabetes: Laban natin ito" (The ants are better. They know. Diabetes: This is our fight) for the public forum on July 22, Ferrer said.

The ant reference comes from the delightful scientific phenomenon of ants being highly attracted to the urine of diabetic patients. Which makes sense if you think about it. So, if you're not sure you have diabetes but suspect you may, perhaps you should relieve yourself by an anthill and watch what happens. Or make a doctor's appointment. But please, do something.