How to diagnose diabetes and keep it in check

Diabetes is a condition in which your body cannot break down glucose and utilize it for energy. The result is increased sugar in your bloodstream. Causes for diabetes vary based on whether it is type 1, type 2, or gestational. Neglecting the condition can lead to severe health issues like heart, eye, nerve and kidney problems. Here are the symptoms, complications, diagnoses and precautions one can keep in mind when dealing with diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes

• Feeling weak and tired.

• Dry mouth.

• Thirsty feeling.

• Blurry vision.

• Wounds, sores and cuts take time to heal.

• Weight loss.

• Pale skin.

• Frequent urination.

• Numbness on the feet or hands.

Complications of diabetes

• Risk of cardiovascular problems.

• Kidney damage.

• Skin infection.

• Hair loss.

• Depression.

• Retinopathy (damage to the eyes).

• Dementia.

• Dental issues.

• Alzheimer’s disease.

Diagnosis for diabetes

Diabetes is determined by blood tests that measure glucose levels. Here are some of these.

1. Fasting plasma glucose test: This test is usually taken in the morning after an eight-hour fast (no solid or liquid food, only few sips of water).

2. Random plasma glucose test: This randomly checks sugar levels at any time. There is no need to fast.

3. Oral glucose tolerance test: Your blood glucose level is first taken after an overnight fast, then you have a sweet drink. Then your blood glucose level is checked again at one, two and three hour intervals.

4. A1C test: Also known as glycated hemoglobin test or HbA1C, this gives the average blood glucose level for over a period of two-three months. You don’t need to fast before taking this test.

5. Gestational diabetes test: If you are pregnant you will need to take two blood glucose tests. A glucose challenge test is where you drink a sweet drink and your glucose level is checked an hour later. There is no necessity to fast prior to this test. In case the results are higher than the normal range of glucose, then, an oral glucose tolerance test will follow.

Prevention

Here are a few ways you can prevent diabetes.

1. Maintain a healthy diet: Have a food diary to check your calorie count and eat right. Reduce the total carb intake and take high-fiber food.

2. Drink plenty of water: Keep sipping water through the day and stay hydrated.

3. Sweat it out: Make sure you get enough physical activity every day. Maintain a healthy weight. Don’t sit in one place for long. Take breaks, stand, walk or do some stretches to keep yourself active.

4. Cut down on stress: Meditation, yoga and other relaxation techniques can be followed to reduce stress.

5. Step out and bask in the sun: Vitamin D is important for the body.

6. Avoid highly processed food: Stay away from highly processed foods. Eat healthy.

7. Quit smoking and drinking: Smoking and alcohol consumption only compound your problems.

8. Follow a sleep cycle: Get 7-8 hours of sound sleep. Sleep is a major factor in your diabetic control.

9. Follow your prescription: Carefully follow medication and dosage guidelines as per your doctor’s orders and take your prescribed medicines.

10. Keep track: Monitor your blood glucose level and make note of it.

You can prevent diabetes, but if you are noticing the symptoms mentioned, consult your physician immediately and get yourself checked to get on the right track with your diabetes management.