Diabetes is a common condition that affects people of all ages. There are several forms of diabetes. Type 2 is the most common. A combination of treatment strategies can help you manage the condition.
Overview
Diabetes is a condition where the body has trouble regulating blood sugar levels. It happens when the body doesn't make enough insulin or can't use it properly. The most common form is type 2 diabetes, which often occurs in adults and is linked to lifestyle factors like diet and exercise. Another type is type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Our approach
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose), which is the primary source of energy for cells. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, or when it cannot use insulin effectively. There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Symptoms
Symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition, but common signs include:
- Frequent urination (polyuria)
- Increased thirst (polydipsia)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme hunger (polyphagia)
- Fatigue or feeling tired more than usual
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet (especially in Type 2 diabetes)
- Darkened skin patches (acanthosis nigricans), usually in the armpits or neck (more common in Type 2 diabetes)
Diagnosis
Healthcare professionals diagnose diabetes using several tests to measure blood sugar levels:
- Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood glucose levels after an overnight fast. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
- Hemoglobin A1c Test: Provides an average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. An A1c of 6.5% or higher suggests diabetes.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood glucose before and two hours after drinking a sugary drink. A two-hour blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
- Random Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar at a random time, regardless of when the last meal was. A level of 200 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes.
- Autoantibody Testing (Type 1 Diabetes): Identifies specific antibodies that are present in autoimmune diabetes.
- Screening for Gestational Diabetes: Done during pregnancy using glucose tolerance testing to detect high blood sugar levels.
