What is Diabetes?
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When should we check for type 2 diabetes when we have no symptoms?
Diabetes is a chronic disease in which sugar levels are elevated in the blood. There are many types of diabetes, the most common ones are:
Type 2 diabetes – in which there is a resistance to insulin
Type 1 diabetes – in which there is an autoimmune deficiency of the hormone insulin.
There are no good and bad types of diabetes; what is important is to have a control individualized to each person.
- Age
- BMI
- Waist circumference
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Unhealthy eating habits (low in fresh vegetables and fruits)
- Other complications such as hypertension, as well as some conditions (such as PCOS)
- A previously elevated blood sugar (including gestational diabetes in women)
- Having at least one close relative with type 2 diabetes.
Tip: If you have one or more of these factors, consult your physician to evaluate your risk for type 2 diabetes.
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You have abnormal sugar levels or HbA1c on your routine blood exam. Now what?
We diagnose diabetes based on three readings: a fasting blood sugar, a sugar level 2 hours post meal and an HbA1c.
Normal people should have an FBS < 100 mg/dL, a sugar 2 hours post meal <140 mg/dL, and an HbA1c <5.7%
People with prediabetes (meaning they are insulin resistant) show FBS between 100 and 125, sugars 2 hours post meal between 140 and 199, and an HbA1c between 5.7 and 6.4%
Diabetes is diagnosed with a fasting blood sugar > 126 mg /dL, a post meal or random sugar > 200 mg/dL, and a HbA1c more than 6.5%
Tip: If one or more of these values are abnormal, consult your doctor for management, and follow with an endocrinologist for individualization of therapy
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What are the symptoms that should lead you to visit diabetes doctor?
Diabetes is mostly a silent disease, discovered when we have complications. However, some symptoms may appear. So, if you have any of the following:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent urination during the day and night
- Thirst
- Sugar craving
- Blurry vision
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Recurrent urinary or genital infections
- Any lesion that doesn’t heal quickly.
Tip: Visit your doctor as soon as possible.
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