DIABETES TREATMENT
What is diabetes?
HOW DOES DIABETES WORK?
Typically, the body breaks down most of our food into glucose, the body’s main source of energy. Glucose requires the help of insulin in order to move into the cells of the body. A person without diabetes naturally produces enough insulin to do this which obviously isn’t the case for someone with diabetes. This causes glucose to build up in the blood instead of moving into the cells. Serious health problems can occur if too much glucose builds up in the blood. Although diabetes can lead to serious complications, it can be successfully managed through diet, lifestyle modifications or medication, and the correct Diabetes Treatment
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES?
While type 1 diabetes usually develops throughout childhood or adolescence, it can also occur during adulthood. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes may not require insulin. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes symptoms may consist of:
• Increased thirst.
• Hunger.
• Unusual weight loss.
• Fatigue.
• Irritability.
• Frequent urination.
• Frequent infections.
• Blurry vision.
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.
• Cuts of bruises that heal slowly.
• Recurring skin, mouth, vaginal or bladder infections.
The exact cause of diabetes is not clear, but there are risk factors leading to increased chances of developing diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes risk factors include; the presence of autoantibodies (damaging immune system cells), family history of diabetes, as well as environmental factors.
Risks for developing type 2 diabetes increase with age and may consist of:
• Lack of exercise.
• Being overweight.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome.
• High blood pressure.
• Low level of HDL cholesterol.
IMPORTANT DIABETES TESTS
1.A1C Test: This is one of the major blood tests for diabetics. It measures your average blood sugar levels over 2- 3 months. Through this test, your doctor gets to know how well your sugar level is managed. Other names for the A1C test are HbA1C, hemoglobin A1C, glycated hemoglobin test.
When it comes to using the A1C test to diagnose diabetes, your doctor will consider several factors that include your age and whether you have anemia or another problem with your blood or not. The A1C test is not accurate in case one has anemia. Ideally, you should get this test twice a year, if not more often. The normal result should be below 7%.
2. Blood pressure checks: Diabetes usually makes you more likely to have high BP, which can put you at increased risk for stroke and heart attack. So, it is crucial to have your blood pressure checked every time you see your primary care doctor.
Moreover, high blood pressure can be treated with the right kind of diet and exercise regime. Sometimes people need medications to treat their blood pressure when lifestyle changes are not enough.
3. Cholesterol test: Having diabetes increases your risk of heart issues; it’s essential to check your cholesterol through a blood test as part of your annual exam or more frequently if your cholesterol levels are high. A blood sample will need to be taken to test your blood for cholesterol. It is usually taken via a syringe from a vein on the inside of your elbow.
You may be asked not to eat up to 12 hours before the test. This is a fasting blood test and prevents recently eaten food from over-influencing the test.
WHO SHOULD BE TESTED FOR DIABETES?
BENEFITS OF GETTING TESTED
Anyone who has symptoms of diabetes should be tested for the disease. Some people will not have any symptoms but may have risk factors for diabetes and need to be tested. Testing allows our health care professionals at Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center to find diabetes sooner and work with the patients to manage diabetes, prevent complications and find the right Diabetes Treatment.
Testing also allows our health care professionals to find prediabetes. Making lifestyle changes to lose a modest amount of weight if you are overweight may help you delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.