Diabetes Diagnosis: How is Diabetes Diagnosed?

Health and Fitness

Written by BarbHicks

Saturday, 29 August 2009

by BarbHicks

What exactly is Diabetes?

When there is an imbalance of insulin and glucose in the blood that causes glucose levels to be abnormally high, this is a condition called diabetes, or hyperglycemia. Insulin serves to regulate glucose levels to stay within normal values. In the absence of adequate insulin, glucose isn't changed into energy for the cells to use as fuel, leading to organ damage and complications.

An elevated sugar level or glucose level is the definition of diabetes. The body uses insulin to regulate glucose levels, so when insulin cannot perform its job properly, complications of the disease occur. Common symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst and frequent urination.

The two forms of diabetes are:

Type 1: Is genetic, the pancreas does not make insulin. It is usually diagnosed in young children Type 2: Is metabolic, in that insulin is being produced but the body is resistant to it.

Both types cause increased glucose in the blood that must be monitored daily.

Anyone who has family members diagnosed with diabetes, is overweight or leads a sedentary lifestyle is at risk for this disease.

What Are the Diabetes Symptoms?

There are many different symptoms of diabetes. In addition, not everyone will display any or all of these signs. Some of the symptoms include:

- Excessive thirst, frequent urination, headache and non healing wounds.

The body tries to protect itself by getting rid of the excess glucose through the kidneys. This results in frequent urination which then leads to dehydration. Dehydration cause headache and excessive thirst just as it does as a result of a hangover.

In addition, a sedentary lifestyle and excessive weight gain are additional risk factors for the onset of diabetes.

How do I find out if I have it?

The first step to knowing your risks is knowing the signs. From there, a visit with a medical professional will determine if you indeed have the disease. By performing specific tests, a doctor can diagnose your risk factors, whether you have it and what type you have. How is diabetes diagnosed by a doctor?

Your doctor will order diagnostic testing that tests your blood for glucose levels. Normal blood glucose is between 70 mg/dl-125 mg/dl.

What Is the Treatment for Diabetes?

Common treatments for diabetes include daily monitoring of glucose levels, dietary changes, exercise three to four times a week and insulin injections either by syringe, pump or prefilled pens.

Treatment for diabetes is designed to regulate glucose levels while at the same time stop or slow down the diseases progression to ensure no further complications.

About the Author:

Barb Hicks is an established writer who loves to write and share about her experience and knowledge about her nursing career days. She started an online classroom at Clivir.com where she provide more information about Signs of Ketonuria Toxicity and How to Prevent Diabetes.

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