Diabetes is a disease in which the body either fails to produce insulin or the body does not use the insulin properly. Ideally, our bodies break down what we digest and turn the sugars and starches into glucose. This glucose uses insulin to give us energy. Without insulin, the glucose builds up in our blood and causes complications and damage within our body.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the result of when the body produces insulin, but it is not used properly. It is the most common form of diabetes and may even be the most preventable. While age or family history of the disease cannot be changed, major factors such as unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise can be changed and ultimately reduce a person’s risk for developing complications associated with type 2 diabetes. Other risk factors for type 2 diabetes can include ethnicity. In the United States, African Americans and Mexican Americans appear to be among those at highest risk.
However, some go undiagnosed until it is too late. Recognizing signs of diabetes and being screened are keys to catching the disease and properly managing it. It has been recommended that those at risk be screened starting at age 30 as an estimated one-third of the diabetic population does not know they have the disease. Along with being screened, people can watch out for warning signs such as extreme thirst or hunger that cannot be satisfied, frequent urination, headaches, dry mouth, and blurred vision. While rare, some people effected by type 2 diabetes experience fainting or loss of consciousness. Some diabetic sufferers remain undiagnosed until damage has been done to the body. This damage can be in the form of heart disease, nerve damage, stroke, vision problems, kidney failure, and the list goes on.
Upon speaking with a physician regarding any symptoms that a person may have, the physician may want to check the person’s blood glucose levels to determine if the person may have diabetes. If the physician requests a fasting glucose test, the patient will be required to not eat or drink anything for eight hours prior to the test. A small amount of blood is then drawn after the patient has fasted, and the glucose level is then checked. The amount of glucose is measure in milligrams per deciliter, and a normal fasting glucose level is typically between 70-100 mg/dL. If two or more separate tests are performed, and the glucose level is 126 mg/dL or greater, a diagnosis of diabetes can usually be made. Another test that may be performed does not require fasting. It is called the casual plasma glucose test. Just like the fasting test, a sample of blood is taken and the glucose level is tested. Since no fasting is required, the glucose level may be higher. If separate tests are performed with results indicating glucose levels of 200 mg/dL or higher, the person may have diabetes.
While type 2 diabetes does require lifestyle changes and proper management, it does not mean that someone with the disease cannot live a long, happy life. Monitoring glucose levels daily as well as healthy dieting and exercise can reduce complications associated with diabetes.