Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide, but many don’t even realize they have it. This sneaky disease can progress unnoticed, leading to serious health complications if left untreated. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you determine if you’re at risk for or may already have diabetes:
Signs and Symptoms
- Excessive Thirst: Feeling unusually thirsty even after drinking plenty of fluids.
- Frequent Urination: Needing to urinate more often, especially at night.
- Increased Hunger: Experiencing a constant feeling of hunger despite eating regularly.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying or changing your diet.
- Slow-Healing Sores or Cuts: Having wounds that take longer than usual to heal.
Risk Factors
- Age: The risk of developing diabetes increases with age, especially over 45.
- Family History: Having a close family member with diabetes increases your risk significantly.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Physical Inactivity: Not getting enough exercise can contribute to diabetes.
- Certain Medical Conditions: Certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, can increase the risk of diabetes.
Screening Tests
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to get screened for diabetes. The following tests can help diagnose diabetes:
- Fasting Blood Glucose Test: Measures your blood sugar level after fasting for 8 hours.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: Measures your blood sugar level before and after drinking a sugary drink.
- A1C Test (Hemoglobin A1C): A blood test that measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months.
Acceptable Blood Sugar Levels
- Normal fasting blood sugar: less than 100 mg/dL
- Prediabetes: fasting blood sugar between 100-125 mg/dL
- Diabetes: fasting blood sugar 126 mg/dL or higher
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Symptoms: Don’t dismiss the early warning signs of diabetes as minor annoyances.
- Self-Diagnosing: Don’t rely on online quizzes or self-tests to diagnose diabetes. Always consult a healthcare professional.
- Delaying Treatment: If you’re diagnosed with diabetes, don’t delay treatment. Early intervention can help prevent complications.
Why It Matters
Diabetes is a serious disease that can have devastating consequences if left untreated. It can lead to:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- Blindness
- Amputations
Benefits of Early Detection and Treatment
Getting diagnosed early and starting treatment can help:
- Improve blood sugar levels
- Prevent or delay complications
- Reduce the risk of premature death
Comparison of Diabetes Types
There are two main types of diabetes:
| Type | Cause | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | Autoimmune disorder | Insulin injections |
| Type 2 | Lifestyle factors | Medications, diet & exercise |
Additional Information
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 34.2 million Americans have diabetes.
- Over 90% of diabetes cases are type 2 diabetes.
- Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.
- Uncontrolled diabetes can cause numerous health problems, including damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart.
Remember, early detection and treatment of diabetes is crucial for preventing serious complications. If you’re concerned about your risk or have any of the symptoms listed above, talk to your healthcare provider today.
