How to Know if You Have Diabetes
Assess your risk for gestational diabetes.Gestational diabetes occurs in women who are pregnant., Look for the risk factors of pre-diabetes.Pre-diabetes is a metabolic condition in which blood glucose (sugar) is higher than the normal range...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Assess your risk for gestational diabetes.Gestational diabetes occurs in women who are pregnant.
If you're at higher risk, you may be tested during your first prenatal visit and then again in the second trimester.
Women at low risk will be tested in the second trimester, between weeks 24 and
28.
Women who experience gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes within ten years after the birth of their child.
Risk factors include:
Pregnancy over the age of 25 Family or personal health history of diabetes or pre-diabetes Being overweight at the time of pregnancy (a BMI of 30 or more) Women who are black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, or Pacific Islander Third pregnancy or greaterExcessive intrauterine growth during pregnancy -
Step 2: Look for the risk factors of pre-diabetes.Pre-diabetes is a metabolic condition in which blood glucose (sugar) is higher than the normal range (70-99).
Still, it's lower than recommended for treatment with medication to control blood glucose.
The risk factors for pre-diabetes include:
Age 45 or older Being overweight Family history of type 2 diabetes Sedentary lifestyle High blood pressure A previous experience of gestational diabetes Having delivered a baby who was 9 pounds or greater , In this condition, the body’s cells have become resistant to the influence of leptin and insulin.
This increases your blood sugar levels and causes the symptoms and long-term side effects of the disease.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes are similar to those for pre-diabetes, and include:
Over 45 years of age Overweight Physical inactivity High blood pressure History of gestational diabetes Delivered a baby over 9 pounds Family history of diabetes Chronic stressYou are black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, or Pacific Islander , White people have a higher incidence of type 1 diabetes Cold weather and viruses may trigger the development of type 1 diabetes in susceptible people.
Early childhood stressChildren who were breast-fed and ate solids at a later age have a lower risk of developing type 1 diabetes even with the genetic predisposition If you have an identical twin with type 1 diabetes, you have about a 50% chance of also developing the disease., As such, you should always request a test for it if you have the risk factors for gestational diabetes.
This disease is especially dangerous because it affects both you and the baby.
Because it can have long-term effects on your child, early diagnosis and treatment is important.
Some women feel very thirsty and need to urinate frequently.
However, these are also common signs of any pregnancy.Some women report that they feel uneasy or uncomfortable after eating foods that are high in carbohydrates or sugar. , Like with gestational diabetes, there are often very few symptoms of pre-diabetes.
Diabetes symptoms are caused by very high blood sugar levels, which people with pre-diabetes don't have.
If you have the risk factors for it, you must be vigilant, get tested regularly, and be on the lookout for subtle symptoms.
Pre-diabetes can develop into diabetes if left untreated.
You may have pre-diabetes if you have "acanthosis nigricans" on specific areas of your body.
This is simply thick, darkened patches of skin that most often appears on the armpits, neck, elbow, knees and knuckles.You might experience a feeling of uneasiness after eating a meal high in carbohydrates or sugars.
Your doctor may test for pre-diabetes if you have elevated cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, or other hormonal imbalances, such as metabolic syndrome, or if you are overweight. , Be aware of your health condition and watch for these signs that your blood sugar may be elevated:
Unexplained weight loss.
Blurry vision or vision change Increased thirst from high blood sugar Increased need to urinate Fatigue and drowsiness, even with adequate sleep Tingling or numbness in the feet or hands Frequent or recurring infections in the bladder, skin or mouth.
Shakiness or hunger in the middle of the morning or afternoon.
Cuts and scrapes appear to heal more slowly.Dry, itchy skin or unusual bumps or blisters.Feeling more hungry than usual. , Although most patients develop this type of diabetes during childhood or adolescence, it can also develop well into adulthood.
The symptoms of type 1 diabetes may appear suddenly or be subtly present for a long time, and can include:
Excessive thirst Increased urination Vaginal yeast infections in women Irritability Blurred vision Unexplained weight loss Unusual bedwetting in children Extreme hunger Fatigue and weakness , The symptoms of type 2 diabetes appear slowly over time.
But with type 1 diabetes, your body can very suddenly stop making insulin.
You will experience more severe symptoms that are potentially life-threatening unless treated immediately.
These include:
Deep rapid breathing Flushed face, dry skin and mouth Fruity breath Nausea and vomiting Stomach pain Confusion or lethargy , Your doctor will need to perform several tests to determine if you have diabetes.
If you do, in fact, have diabetes or pre-diabetes, you will need to follow-up with regular treatment by following your doctor's instructions. , The blood glucose test does exactly what it sounds like it does: it tests the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood.This will be used to determine whether you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it.
This test will done under one of three circumstances:
A fasting glucose blood test is done after you haven’t had anything to eat for at least eight hours.
If it is an emergency, your doctor will do a random blood glucose test regardless of whether you have eaten recently.
A two-hour postprandial test is done two hours after eating a specific number of carbohydrates to test your body’s ability to handle the sugar load.
This test is usually done in a hospital so they can measure the number of carbs eaten before the test.
An oral glucose tolerance test requires you to drink a high glucose fluid.
They will test your blood and urine every 30-60 minutes to measure how well the body is able to tolerate the additional load.
This test is not done if the doctor suspects type 1 diabetes. , It measures the amount of sugar attached to the body's hemoglobin molecules.
This measurement gives the doctor a good indication of your average blood sugar measurements over the past 30 to 60 days. , Ketone is found in the blood when an insulin shortage forces the body to break down fat for energy.It comes out through the urine, most often in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Your doctor may recommend a blood or urine test for ketone:
If your blood sugar is higher than 240 mg/dL.
During an illness such as pneumonia, stroke or heart attack.
If you experience nausea and vomiting.
During pregnancy. , If you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it, it's important to monitor your health and blood sugar levels regularly.High blood sugar will cause damage to the microvascular (micro-blood vessels) in your organs.
This damage can cause problems throughout the body.
To monitor your overall health, get:
An annual eye exam Evaluation for diabetic neuropathy in the feet Regular (at least annual) blood pressure monitoring Annual kidney testing Dental cleaning every 6 months Regular cholesterol testing Regular visits with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist , These conditions often develop because of the choices we make, rather than our genetics.
By changing those choices, you can reduce your blood sugar or prevent the development of the condition. , When your body metabolizes carbs they turn to sugar, and the body needs more insulin to use it.
Cut down on grains, pastas, candies, sweets, soda and other foods that are high in simple carbohydrates, as your body processes these too quickly and they can cause a spike in blood sugar.Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about incorporating complex carbohydrates with plenty of fiber and a low-GI (glycemic index) rating into your diet.
Low-GI, complex carbs include:
Beans and legumes Non-starchy vegetables (most vegetables, except foods like parsnips, plantains, potatoes, pumpkin, squash, peas, corn)Most fruits (except for certain fruits such as dried fruits, bananas, and grapes)Whole grains, such as steel cut oats, bran, whole-grain pasta, barley, bulgur, brown rice, quinoaDon't limit your fiber.
Instead, subtract it off the total carbohydrates (per serving size) on the Nutrition label.
Fiber is not digestedand actually prevents blood sugar spikes, resulting in better control of blood sugar levels., Although once thought to be the source of heart disease, the healthy fats found in avocados, coconut oil, grass-fed beef and free-range chickens are now known to be good sources of fuel.
They can help to stabilize blood sugar and reduce your food cravings.Always avoid trans-fats, as these are the bad fats.The omega-3 fatty acids found in cold water fish such as tuna and salmon may decrease your risk of type 2 diabetes.Eat one to two servings of fish per week., When you can maintain a more healthy weight you can stabilize your blood sugar more easily.
A combination of diet and exercise will help keep your weight in a healthy range.
Get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day to help your body to use blood glucose without insulin.
This also helps you maintain a healthy weight and improves your quality of sleep. , If you currently smoke, quit.
Smokers are 30 – 40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than people who don't smoke, and your risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases the more you smoke.
Smoking also creates serious complications for people who already have diabetes., However, you cannot rely on medication alone to manage the disease.
It must be used to support the major changes caused by your lifestyle changes. , These medications are taken in pill form, and reduce blood sugar throughout the course of the day.
Examples include Metformin (biguanides), sulfonylureas, Meglitinides, Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and combination pills., This is really the only effective treatment for type 1, though it can also be used for type 2 and gestational diabetes.
There are four different types of insulin available for this treatment.
Your physician will decide which will be most effective in controlling your blood sugar.
You may take just one, or use a combination of types at different times of the day.Your doctor may also recommend an insulin pump to maintain your insulin levels 24 hours a day.Rapid acting insulin is taken before meals, and often in combination with long acting insulin.
Short acting insulin is taken about 30 minutes before meals, and usually in combination with longer acting insulin.
Intermediate acting insulin is usually taken twice a day, and lowers glucose when the short or rapid acting insulin stops working.
Long acting insulin can be used to cover the time when the rapid and short acting insulin stops working. , There are some new medications that can help lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
One type of medicine, called an SGLT inhibitor, helps your kidneys get rid of extra glucose from the blood and send it out in your urine.
Examples of SGLT inhibitors include Canagliflozin (Invokana) and Dapagliflozin (Farxiga).Ask your doctor if these drugs are right for you. -
Step 3: Evaluate your risk for type 2 diabetes.This is sometimes referred to a “full-blown” diabetes.
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Step 4: Check for the risk factors of type 1 diabetes.Experts believe this condition is caused by a mix of genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
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Step 5: Get tested for gestational diabetes during pregnancy.Women with gestational diabetes often show no symptoms at all.
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Step 6: Be vigilant for symptoms of pre-diabetes.
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Step 7: Evaluate your symptoms for type 2 diabetes.Whether you have the risk factors for the condition or not
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Step 8: you can still develop type 2 diabetes.
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Step 9: Suspect type 1 diabetes with sudden symptoms.
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Step 10: Seek immediate medical attention when necessary.People often ignore the symptoms of diabetes
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Step 11: allowing the condition to progress to a dangerous degree.
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Step 12: See a doctor immediately if you experience symptoms.
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Step 13: Get a blood glucose test.
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Step 14: Submit to an A1C test.This blood test is also called the glycated hemoglobin test.
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Step 15: Have a ketone test done if necessary.
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Step 16: Request routine testing.
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Step 17: Make lifestyle choices with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
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Step 18: Eat fewer carbohydrates.
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Step 19: Eat more foods high in healthy proteins and fats (saturated fats
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Step 20: omega-3 and omega-9 polyunsaturated
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Step 21: and monounsaturated fats).
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Step 22: Maintain a healthy weight.Insulin resistance goes up with an increasing waistline.
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Step 23: Do not smoke.
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Step 24: Do not rely on medication alone.If you have type 1
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Step 25: type 2
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Step 26: or gestational diabetes
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Step 27: your doctor may recommend medication in addition to lifestyle changes.
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Step 28: Take oral hypoglycemic medications if you have type 2 or gestational diabetes.
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Step 29: Administer insulin injections if you have type 1 diabetes.
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Step 30: Ask about new treatments for diabetes.
Detailed Guide
If you're at higher risk, you may be tested during your first prenatal visit and then again in the second trimester.
Women at low risk will be tested in the second trimester, between weeks 24 and
28.
Women who experience gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes within ten years after the birth of their child.
Risk factors include:
Pregnancy over the age of 25 Family or personal health history of diabetes or pre-diabetes Being overweight at the time of pregnancy (a BMI of 30 or more) Women who are black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, or Pacific Islander Third pregnancy or greaterExcessive intrauterine growth during pregnancy
Still, it's lower than recommended for treatment with medication to control blood glucose.
The risk factors for pre-diabetes include:
Age 45 or older Being overweight Family history of type 2 diabetes Sedentary lifestyle High blood pressure A previous experience of gestational diabetes Having delivered a baby who was 9 pounds or greater , In this condition, the body’s cells have become resistant to the influence of leptin and insulin.
This increases your blood sugar levels and causes the symptoms and long-term side effects of the disease.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes are similar to those for pre-diabetes, and include:
Over 45 years of age Overweight Physical inactivity High blood pressure History of gestational diabetes Delivered a baby over 9 pounds Family history of diabetes Chronic stressYou are black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, or Pacific Islander , White people have a higher incidence of type 1 diabetes Cold weather and viruses may trigger the development of type 1 diabetes in susceptible people.
Early childhood stressChildren who were breast-fed and ate solids at a later age have a lower risk of developing type 1 diabetes even with the genetic predisposition If you have an identical twin with type 1 diabetes, you have about a 50% chance of also developing the disease., As such, you should always request a test for it if you have the risk factors for gestational diabetes.
This disease is especially dangerous because it affects both you and the baby.
Because it can have long-term effects on your child, early diagnosis and treatment is important.
Some women feel very thirsty and need to urinate frequently.
However, these are also common signs of any pregnancy.Some women report that they feel uneasy or uncomfortable after eating foods that are high in carbohydrates or sugar. , Like with gestational diabetes, there are often very few symptoms of pre-diabetes.
Diabetes symptoms are caused by very high blood sugar levels, which people with pre-diabetes don't have.
If you have the risk factors for it, you must be vigilant, get tested regularly, and be on the lookout for subtle symptoms.
Pre-diabetes can develop into diabetes if left untreated.
You may have pre-diabetes if you have "acanthosis nigricans" on specific areas of your body.
This is simply thick, darkened patches of skin that most often appears on the armpits, neck, elbow, knees and knuckles.You might experience a feeling of uneasiness after eating a meal high in carbohydrates or sugars.
Your doctor may test for pre-diabetes if you have elevated cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, or other hormonal imbalances, such as metabolic syndrome, or if you are overweight. , Be aware of your health condition and watch for these signs that your blood sugar may be elevated:
Unexplained weight loss.
Blurry vision or vision change Increased thirst from high blood sugar Increased need to urinate Fatigue and drowsiness, even with adequate sleep Tingling or numbness in the feet or hands Frequent or recurring infections in the bladder, skin or mouth.
Shakiness or hunger in the middle of the morning or afternoon.
Cuts and scrapes appear to heal more slowly.Dry, itchy skin or unusual bumps or blisters.Feeling more hungry than usual. , Although most patients develop this type of diabetes during childhood or adolescence, it can also develop well into adulthood.
The symptoms of type 1 diabetes may appear suddenly or be subtly present for a long time, and can include:
Excessive thirst Increased urination Vaginal yeast infections in women Irritability Blurred vision Unexplained weight loss Unusual bedwetting in children Extreme hunger Fatigue and weakness , The symptoms of type 2 diabetes appear slowly over time.
But with type 1 diabetes, your body can very suddenly stop making insulin.
You will experience more severe symptoms that are potentially life-threatening unless treated immediately.
These include:
Deep rapid breathing Flushed face, dry skin and mouth Fruity breath Nausea and vomiting Stomach pain Confusion or lethargy , Your doctor will need to perform several tests to determine if you have diabetes.
If you do, in fact, have diabetes or pre-diabetes, you will need to follow-up with regular treatment by following your doctor's instructions. , The blood glucose test does exactly what it sounds like it does: it tests the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood.This will be used to determine whether you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it.
This test will done under one of three circumstances:
A fasting glucose blood test is done after you haven’t had anything to eat for at least eight hours.
If it is an emergency, your doctor will do a random blood glucose test regardless of whether you have eaten recently.
A two-hour postprandial test is done two hours after eating a specific number of carbohydrates to test your body’s ability to handle the sugar load.
This test is usually done in a hospital so they can measure the number of carbs eaten before the test.
An oral glucose tolerance test requires you to drink a high glucose fluid.
They will test your blood and urine every 30-60 minutes to measure how well the body is able to tolerate the additional load.
This test is not done if the doctor suspects type 1 diabetes. , It measures the amount of sugar attached to the body's hemoglobin molecules.
This measurement gives the doctor a good indication of your average blood sugar measurements over the past 30 to 60 days. , Ketone is found in the blood when an insulin shortage forces the body to break down fat for energy.It comes out through the urine, most often in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Your doctor may recommend a blood or urine test for ketone:
If your blood sugar is higher than 240 mg/dL.
During an illness such as pneumonia, stroke or heart attack.
If you experience nausea and vomiting.
During pregnancy. , If you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it, it's important to monitor your health and blood sugar levels regularly.High blood sugar will cause damage to the microvascular (micro-blood vessels) in your organs.
This damage can cause problems throughout the body.
To monitor your overall health, get:
An annual eye exam Evaluation for diabetic neuropathy in the feet Regular (at least annual) blood pressure monitoring Annual kidney testing Dental cleaning every 6 months Regular cholesterol testing Regular visits with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist , These conditions often develop because of the choices we make, rather than our genetics.
By changing those choices, you can reduce your blood sugar or prevent the development of the condition. , When your body metabolizes carbs they turn to sugar, and the body needs more insulin to use it.
Cut down on grains, pastas, candies, sweets, soda and other foods that are high in simple carbohydrates, as your body processes these too quickly and they can cause a spike in blood sugar.Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about incorporating complex carbohydrates with plenty of fiber and a low-GI (glycemic index) rating into your diet.
Low-GI, complex carbs include:
Beans and legumes Non-starchy vegetables (most vegetables, except foods like parsnips, plantains, potatoes, pumpkin, squash, peas, corn)Most fruits (except for certain fruits such as dried fruits, bananas, and grapes)Whole grains, such as steel cut oats, bran, whole-grain pasta, barley, bulgur, brown rice, quinoaDon't limit your fiber.
Instead, subtract it off the total carbohydrates (per serving size) on the Nutrition label.
Fiber is not digestedand actually prevents blood sugar spikes, resulting in better control of blood sugar levels., Although once thought to be the source of heart disease, the healthy fats found in avocados, coconut oil, grass-fed beef and free-range chickens are now known to be good sources of fuel.
They can help to stabilize blood sugar and reduce your food cravings.Always avoid trans-fats, as these are the bad fats.The omega-3 fatty acids found in cold water fish such as tuna and salmon may decrease your risk of type 2 diabetes.Eat one to two servings of fish per week., When you can maintain a more healthy weight you can stabilize your blood sugar more easily.
A combination of diet and exercise will help keep your weight in a healthy range.
Get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day to help your body to use blood glucose without insulin.
This also helps you maintain a healthy weight and improves your quality of sleep. , If you currently smoke, quit.
Smokers are 30 – 40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than people who don't smoke, and your risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases the more you smoke.
Smoking also creates serious complications for people who already have diabetes., However, you cannot rely on medication alone to manage the disease.
It must be used to support the major changes caused by your lifestyle changes. , These medications are taken in pill form, and reduce blood sugar throughout the course of the day.
Examples include Metformin (biguanides), sulfonylureas, Meglitinides, Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and combination pills., This is really the only effective treatment for type 1, though it can also be used for type 2 and gestational diabetes.
There are four different types of insulin available for this treatment.
Your physician will decide which will be most effective in controlling your blood sugar.
You may take just one, or use a combination of types at different times of the day.Your doctor may also recommend an insulin pump to maintain your insulin levels 24 hours a day.Rapid acting insulin is taken before meals, and often in combination with long acting insulin.
Short acting insulin is taken about 30 minutes before meals, and usually in combination with longer acting insulin.
Intermediate acting insulin is usually taken twice a day, and lowers glucose when the short or rapid acting insulin stops working.
Long acting insulin can be used to cover the time when the rapid and short acting insulin stops working. , There are some new medications that can help lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
One type of medicine, called an SGLT inhibitor, helps your kidneys get rid of extra glucose from the blood and send it out in your urine.
Examples of SGLT inhibitors include Canagliflozin (Invokana) and Dapagliflozin (Farxiga).Ask your doctor if these drugs are right for you.
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Brian Hughes
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