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Sunday, August 23, 2009

Diabetes Diagnosis: How is Diabetes Diagnosed?

By Barb Hicks

What exactly is Diabetes?

When there is an imbalance of insulin and glucose in the blood that causes glucose levels to be abnormally high, this is a condition called diabetes, or hyperglycemia. Insulin serves to regulate glucose levels to stay within normal values. In the absence of adequate insulin, glucose isn't changed into energy for the cells to use as fuel, leading to organ damage and complications.

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.

Here are the two forms of diabetes:

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 types of diabetes create increased glucose levels in the blood that must be monitored on a daily basis.

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.

The body tries to protect itself by getting rid of the excess glucose through the kidneys. This results in frequent urination which then leads to dehydration. Dehydration cause headache and excessive thirst just as it does as a result of a hangover.

Excessive weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle are extreme risk factors for diabetes.

How Can I Find Out If I Have Diabetes?

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?

Your doctor will order diagnostic testing that tests your blood for glucose levels. Normal blood glucose is between 70 mg/dl-125 mg/dl.

What Is the Treatment 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. - 17268

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