Introduction
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. It can have serious health complications if left untreated, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and nerve damage. Knowing the signs and symptoms of diabetes can help you catch it early and get the treatment you need.
Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels Regularly
The best way to know if you are diabetic is to get your blood sugar levels tested. There are two main tests used to diagnose diabetes: fasting glucose tests and oral glucose tolerance tests. Fasting glucose tests measure your blood sugar level after not eating for 8 hours. Oral glucose tolerance tests measure your blood sugar level before and after drinking a sugary drink.
Your doctor may also recommend other tests such as an A1C test, which measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months, or a random blood sugar test, which measures your blood sugar level at any given time. Depending on your results, your doctor may recommend further testing to confirm a diagnosis.
Look Out for Symptoms of High Blood Sugar
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can be a sign of diabetes. Symptoms of high blood sugar include frequent urination, extreme thirst, blurry vision, fatigue, and slow healing wounds. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor right away.
Pay Attention to Any Changes in Your Weight
Unexplained weight gain or loss can be a sign of diabetes. If you’re gaining weight without changing your diet or exercise habits, it could be due to insulin resistance, which is a common symptom of diabetes. Similarly, if you’re losing weight without trying, it could be because your body isn’t able to absorb enough glucose from your food.
Check for Signs of Nerve Damage
Nerve damage, or neuropathy, is one of the most common complications of diabetes. Symptoms of nerve damage include numbness and tingling in the feet, balance problems, and difficulty walking. Other signs and symptoms of nerve damage include pain or burning sensations, weakness, and changes in skin color.
Get Tested for Diabetes if You Have a Family History
If you have a family history of diabetes, it’s important to get tested for the condition. There are several different tests available, including fasting glucose tests, oral glucose tolerance tests, and A1C tests. Your doctor may also recommend additional tests to confirm a diagnosis.
Have an Annual Physical Exam That Includes a Fasting Glucose Test
It’s important to get tested for diabetes at least once a year, even if you don’t have any symptoms. A fasting glucose test measures your blood sugar level after not eating for 8 hours, and is considered the most accurate test for diagnosing diabetes. Your doctor may also recommend additional tests to confirm a diagnosis.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a serious condition that can have serious health complications if left untreated. Knowing the signs and symptoms of diabetes can help you catch it early and get the treatment you need. Monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly, looking out for symptoms of high blood sugar, paying attention to changes in your weight, and getting tested for diabetes if you have a family history are all important steps in diagnosing and managing diabetes. Be sure to have an annual physical exam that includes a fasting glucose test to stay ahead of any potential issues.
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