Diabetes affects 422 million people globally, and it is one of the leading causes of death! It’s also a major cause of renal failure, heart attacks, and strokes! Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the level of your blood glucose (sugar) level rises. Because your body cannot produce enough insulin or can utilize it.

Types of diabetes

• Type 1: affects kids, teenagers, and young adults, and patients must take insulin regularly because the body can’t produce it at all.
• Type 2: affects the majority of diabetics.
• Gestational diabetes: usually resolves itself after birth.

symptoms

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Feeling very hungry
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Blurred vision
• Tingling or numbness sensations in the hands or feet
• Sores that do not heal
• Unexplained weight loss

Who should get a diabetes test?

Anyone who have diabetes symptoms should be checked; especially that type 2 symptoms are often less obvious, though they are similar to those of type 1 symptoms. As a result, it may not be detected until years after complications have occurred! The test aim to early diagnosis, which helps in the treatment and the prevention of complications

The following groups should get routine testing:

• Are 45 years old or older.
• You are 19 to 44 years old, overweight or obese, and have one or more diabetes risk factors.
• Had gestational diabetes when you were pregnant.
• Kids aged 10 to 18 years old who are overweight or obese and have at least another risk factor.

Factors that increase the risk

• Overweight or obese.
• Are 45 years old or older
• Diabetes affected one of your family members.
• Have high blood pressure
• Had gestational diabetes or given birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kg
• Do not do any physical activity
• Had a previous heart attack or stroke.
• Had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Diagnosis

Doctors will examine your symptoms and request a blood test to check your blood sugar levels before diagnosing. Tests include:

•       Fasting plasma glucose test (FPG)

The test measures your blood glucose level to get the most reliable results. It is recommended to perform this test in the morning, after fasting for at least 8 hours. Fasting includes abstaining from eating and drinking except for drinking water.

•       A1C test

A1C test to provide the average blood sugar levels during the last three months. Unlike fasting plasma glucose test, you can eat and drink before doing this test. Usually, your doctor will consider factors such as your age and whether you have anemia.

A1C is expressed as a percentage, such as 7%. The higher the ratio, the higher the blood glucose levels on average. It’s also the major test used to help you and your doctor in managing your diabetes.

•       Random plasma glucose test (RPG)

When signs of diabetes appear and doctors do not want to wait till fasting, they may perform a random plasma glucose test. You can perform this test at any time.

Treatment

Although there is no cure for diabetes, you can control the symptoms and maintain a healthy blood glucose level. Treatment includes diet, physical activity, blood pressure monitoring, smoking cessation, and blood glucose management by adhering to your doctor’s treatment plan. You can send your prescription to order your medicines.

Also, the patient needs:

1. Examination and treatment of retinopathy.
2. Managing Blood Lipids
3. Diagnosis and treatment of diabetes-related kidney diseases in the early stages
4. Foot care. You can learn more about foot care for diabetics.

In conclusion, performing a regular check-up and following a healthy lifestyle are the key to be in a good health.