Lucknow, Oct. 9 -- Many diabetes patients are delaying medical treatment after trying remedies promoted on social media, doctors said on Thursday. Some reach hospitals only after six months to a year of relying on unverified advice, by which time their blood sugar levels have become difficult to control. Dr Narsingh Verma, former head of the physiology department at KGMU and organising secretary of the UP Diabetes Association's workshop, said 40% to 60% of patients turn to social media claims instead of seeking medical advice when symptoms first appear. Speaking ahead of the association's three-day workshop from October 9 to 11, Verma said diabetes could often be managed better in its early stages through diet, exercise and medication. Dr Ajay Tiwari said prolonged delays could lead to persistently high sugar levels, sometimes requiring additional medicines. Around 1-2% of patients eventually require insulin, he said. UPDA president Dr Manoj Srivastava urged people not to ignore frequent urination, excessive thirst and slow-healing wounds.htc...