Signs of diabetes & Diagnosed ?

 

Here are 10 warning signs of diabetes that individuals should watch out for:

1. Frequent Urination (Polyuria):

Increased need to urinate, especially at night, due to high blood sugar levels causing the kidneys to work harder.

2. Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia):

Feeling constantly thirsty as a result of dehydration from frequent urination.

3. Extreme Hunger (Polyphagia):

Feeling unusually hungry, even after eating, due to the body's inability to use glucose effectively.

4. Unexplained Weight Loss:

Losing weight rapidly without trying, as the body starts breaking down fat and muscle for energy when it can't access glucose.

5 Fatigue as a Symptom of Diabetes

Why does fatigue occur in diabetes?

Fatigue in diabetes is a common symptom and can result from several physiological and lifestyle factors associated with the condition. Here's why it happens:

6. Blurred Vision:

High blood sugar levels causing the lens of the eye to swell, leading to difficulty focusing.

7. Slow-Healing Sores or Frequent Infections:

High blood sugar can impair circulation and the immune system, delaying wound healing and increasing the risk of infections.

8. Tingling, Numbness, or Pain in Hands or Feet:

Neuropathy, nerve damage from prolonged high blood sugar can cause these sensations.

9. Darkened Skin Patches (Acanthosis Nigricans):

Velvety, dark skin patches, often around the neck or armpits, may signal insulin resistance.

10. Frequent Infections:

Urinary tract infections, gum infections, or skin infections, due to weakened immune function.

Diagnosed? How is Diabetes Diagnosed? (by PharmaServePK)

Diagnosing diabetes involves specific blood tests that measure your blood sugar levels. Here's a step-by-step guide to how it’s done:

1. Fasting Blood Sugar Test

What it is: Measures blood sugar levels after an overnight fast (at least 8 hours).

Normal Range: Less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L).

Prediabetes: 100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L).

Diabetes: 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests.

2. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

What it is: Measures blood sugar levels before and after drinking a sugary solution.

Testing Steps:

Blood sugar is tested before drinking the solution.

Blood sugar is measured again after 2 hours.

Normal Range: Less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) after 2 hours.

Prediabetes: 140–199 mg/dL (7.8–11.0 mmol/L).

Diabetes: 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher.

3. Random Blood Sugar Test

What it is: Measures blood sugar at any time, regardless of when you last ate.

Diabetes Diagnosis: 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher, along with diabetes symptoms like increased thirst or frequent urination.

4. Hemoglobin A1C Test (Glycated Hemoglobin Test)

What it is: Reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months by measuring the percentage of sugar attached to hemoglobin.

Normal Range: Below 5.7%.

Prediabetes: 5.7%–6.4%.

Diabetes: 6.5% or higher on two separate tests.

5. Additional Tests (If Necessary):

C-Peptide Test: Differentiates between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

Autoantibody Tests: Checks for markers of autoimmune diabetes (used in Type 1 Diabetes).

Urine Test: Detects ketones (Type 1 Diabetes) or albumin (kidney complications).

Steps to Get Diagnosed

Visit a Doctor: Discuss symptoms like frequent urination, thirst, fatigue, or blurred vision.

Get Lab Tests Done: Based on your symptoms, the doctor may recommend one or more of the tests mentioned above.

Monitor Results: Diagnosis may require confirmation with a second test on a different day.

This guide is brought to you by PharmaServePK, your trusted source for reliable health information. For more tips on managing diabetes, visit our blog.