Understanding Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Monitoring

Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, elevates blood sugar levels, diagnosed with fasting glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L or A1C ≥6.5%.

‍
Types of Diabetes:
• Type 1: Insulin-dependent, often in youth. The immune system attacks pancreas cells, reducing insulin, leading to high blood sugar and potential organ damage.
• Type 2: Common in adults; rising in youth due to factors like obesity. Develops from insulin resistance or gradual insulin loss. Manageable with diet, exercise, and medication, but untreated, it can lead to severe health issues.
‍

Understanding Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Monitoring

‍
Approximately 37 million adults have Type 2 diabetes, and many remain unaware. Type 1 diabetes often goes undiagnosed until severe symptoms arise, highlighting the importance of routine screenings. Recognizing symptoms and regular healthcare check-ups are vital to prevent complications.

‍
Symptoms:
• Prediabetes: Often no clear symptoms.
• Type 1 Diabetes: Increased or extreme thirst, appetite, fatigue, frequent urination, weight loss, blurred vision, fruity breath, and, in some cases, no symptoms.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Increased thirst, appetite, fatigue, increased urination (especially at night), weight loss, blurred vision, sores that do not heal, and, in some cases, no symptoms.
If experiencing any symptoms, seek immediate professional help for diagnosis.

‍
Diagnostic Tests:
• HbA1C Test (A1C): Measures average blood glucose over 2-3 months. Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%, Diabetes: 6.5% or higher.
• Fasting Plasma Glucose Test: Measures fasting blood glucose levels. Prediabetes: 5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L , Diabetes: 7mmol/L or higher.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: Measures how well the body handles glucose. Prediabetes: 7.8 -11 mmol/L , Diabetes: 11.1 mmol/L or higher.

‍
Monitoring Tests for Diabetes:
• HbA1C: At least twice a year.
• Home Monitoring: Easy-to-use devices for regular blood sugar checks.
• Heart Health Tests: People with diabetes are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease; learn about tests for heart health.

‍
Managing Diabetes Successfully:
• Set Personal Goals: Collaborate with your healthcare team to set achievable goals.
• Monitor Critical Numbers: Keep track of blood sugar, weight, blood cholesterol, and blood pressure regularly to gauge treatment effectiveness.
• Prevent Complications: Proactive management can prevent serious diabetes-related complications.
‍

Reference:
American Heart Association. (2019). Diabetes. Www.heart.org. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/diabetes
‌