November is National Diabetes Month when organizations nationwide seek to raise awareness and educate the public about diabetes. Diabetes is a health condition caused by a person’s glucose, also known as blood sugar, being too high. According to the American Diabetes Association, it affects about 38 million Americans. Diabetes can damage the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes and is linked to some types of cancer.
There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is an autoimmune disease when your immune system mistakenly treats the beta cells in your pancreas that create insulin as foreign invaders and destroys them. When enough beta cells are destroyed, your pancreas can’t make insulin or makes so little of it that you need to take insulin to live. Type 2 is when your body does not use insulin properly – also known as insulin resistance. At first, your beta cells make extra insulin to compensate for it. Over time, your pancreas can’t make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose at normal levels. Type 2 diabetes develops most often in middle-aged and older adults.
Diabetes Symptoms
While some people’s symptoms are so mild they go unnoticed, some common ones pop up. These include:
- Urinating often
- Blurry vision
- Extreme fatigue
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling very hungry – even when eating
- Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
- Weight loss – even though you are eating more (Type 1)
- Tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands/feet (Type 2)
Diagnosing Diabetes
There are several ways to diagnose diabetes. Testing should be conducted in a healthcare setting, such as a lab or doctor’s office. There are four tests – A1C, Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), and Random (Casual) Plasma Glucose Test.
- The A1C test measures your average blood glucose for two to three months. The advantages of being diagnosed this way are that you don’t have to fast or drink anything. Diabetes is diagnosed at an A1C of greater than or equal to 6.5%.
- The FPG test checks your fasting blood glucose levels. Fasting means having nothing to eat or drink (except water) for at least 8 hours before the test. This test is usually done first thing in the morning, before breakfast. Diabetes is diagnosed at fasting blood glucose greater than or equal to 126 mg/dl.
- The OGTT is a two-hour test that checks your blood glucose levels before and two hours after you drink a special sweet drink. It tells the doctor how your body processes sugar. Diabetes is diagnosed at a two-hour blood glucose of greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl.
- The Random (Casual) Plasma Glucose test is a blood check at any time of the day when you have severe diabetes symptoms. Diabetes is diagnosed at blood glucose of greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl.
How to Prevent Diabetes
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent diabetes. The biggest one is changing your lifestyle; according to the American Diabetes Association, implementing a healthy lifestyle cuts your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in half. If you’re overweight or obese, losing 10-15 pounds can make a big difference to your overall risk. Smokers should seriously consider quitting as smoking reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches their organs and causes unhealthy cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. If you suffer from high blood pressure, sometimes medication is required to get your levels back to normal.
Diabetes Treatment
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While diabetes is a common disease, each treatment plan depends on the individual and their medical history. Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone secreted by your pancreas. Type 1 occurs when your body doesn’t produce insulin, and Type 2 occurs when your body doesn’t use it properly. Treatment for Type 1 requires taking prescribed insulin, while treatment for Type 2 depends on who you are. Some individuals can manage it with healthy eating, exercise, or oral medications, while others may also need to use insulin. Managing diabetes often requires your primary care provider, diabetes specialist, certified diabetes educator, or registered dietitian. Ask your primary care provider if you should talk with other healthcare professionals about preventing or managing diabetes.
Local Care in the Corridor
At Dallas Medical Center, your care is their top priority. They make getting the care you need as effortless as possible using the best diagnostic techniques available. They accept new patients, and walk-ins are welcome. Their expert medical professionals can treat children and adults for various needs.
One Medical Addison offers exceptional primary care for kids and adults of all ages, including seniors on Medicare. They focus on building genuine relationships with patients and using technology to simplify every aspect of getting care. More than just a place to go when you’re sick or injured, One Medical Addison can also help you meet your physical and mental health goals, manage chronic illnesses, and live a healthier life.
Jordan is a writer and photographer based in the DFW area. She graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a Bachelor ‘s degree in English and a Minor in Marketing. She is a history nerd and animal lover, with one dog and three cats at home. In her free time, she enjoys reading, arts & crafts, working on her first novel, and traveling to places near and far.