Diabetes: How is it Tested?
What exactly is Diabetes?
Diabetes or hyperglycemia is when insulin and glucose levels in the blood are imbalanced. Insulin regulates glucose levels by converting glucose into energy which cells use as fuel. If glucose is not properly converted, damage to organs and other complications can occur.
Diabetes is defined as having an elevated blood glucose (sugar) level. It is caused by an imbalance of insulin and glucose. We need Insulin to regulate our glucose levels. When there is an insufficient amount of insulin in the blood, the glucose levels rise, which could lead to other complications of the disease process. Insulin regulates glucose levels by converting glucose into energy for use by the cells for fuel. When insulin can’t do its job, glucose builds up in the blood and causes symptoms of thirst and increased urination.
The two forms of diabetes are:
Type 1: This form is genetic. With this type, the pancreas does not make insulin. This form is typically diagnosed in children. Type 2: This form of diabetes is based on metabolism. In this case, the body is performing insulin production; however the body is resistant to it.
Both forms of diabetes create an elevation in glucose levels in the blood and therefore must be monitored daily.
You are at risk for the development of diabetes if you are overweight, have family members diagnosed with it, and live a sedentary lifestyle.
What are the signs and symptoms of diabetes?
Diabetes has many varying symptoms and not everyone will experience them. Some of the most common signs include:
- increased urination, extreme thirst, non healing wounds, fatigue, irritability and headache.
Due to the buildup of glucose in the blood, the body tries to get rid of it via the kidneys, resulting in polyuria (increased urination). Frequent trips to the bathroom cause dehydration, which explains the extreme thirst and headache. Dehydration is the same reason for the headache of a hangover.
Excessive weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle are extreme risk factors for diabetes.
How do I find out if I have it?
The first step is knowing what the signs and symptoms are. Visiting a medical professional is the next step if you believe you are experiencing these signs. A doctor will perform specific diagnostic tests to determine your risk factors as well as determine if you in fact have the disease and which type. How do doctors diagnose it?
In general, a glucose level of 70 mg/dl-125 mg/dl is normal. A doctor will perform testing in order to measure your specific blood glucose levels.
What Treatments are there for Diabetes?
Common treatments for diabetes include daily monitoring of glucose levels, dietary changes, exercise three to four times a week and insulin injections either by syringe, pump or prefilled pens.
The goal of treatment is to control glucose levels within the normal range to prevent complications and slow the progression of the disease.
Filed under: Disease & Illness