Still others block the action of stomach or intestinal enzymes that break down carbohydrates, slowing their absorption, or make your tissues more sensitive to insulin. Metformin (Glumetza, Fortamet, others) is generally the first drug prescribed for type 2 diabetes. The pump is a device about the size of a small cellphone worn on the outside of your body. A tube connects the reservoir of insulin to a tube (catheter) that’s inserted under the skin of your abdomen. I’m an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic and I’m here to answer some of the important questions you may have about type one diabetes. Remember that your doctor will typically need to repeat any test to confirm your diagnosis.
Chronically high levels of blood sugar can cause dysfunction of the immune system. It’s generally diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can occur at any age. It’s most commonly diagnosed in children 4 to 6 and 10 to 14 years of age. A glucose tolerance test is given if someone has a glucose level higher than 140 milligrams per deciliter.
As it progresses, you might not be able to feel pain in your extremities, which puts you at an increased risk of developing conditions such as diabetic ulcers. Many people with type 2 diabetes experience hunger and fatigue due to an inability to metabolize the glucose in their blood. This article will take a closer look at the warning signs of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, testing options, and treatments. The only way to know for sure that you have diabetes is to get tested.
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. One of the key ways to diagnose diabetes is through a blood test. But how exactly does a blood test determine if you’re diabetic or not? Let’s break it down in simple terms – ELI5 style.
What is a Blood Test for Diabetes?
A blood test for diabetes measures the levels of glucose in your blood. Glucose is a type of sugar that comes from the food we eat and is the main source of energy for our bodies. When we eat, our bodies release insulin, a hormone that helps regulate the amount of glucose in our blood. People with diabetes either don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies are unable to use insulin effectively, leading to high levels of glucose in the blood.
For additional information about the diagnosis and treatment of gestational diabetes, see the NIDDK booklet What I Need to Know About Gestational Diabetes. A 2017 study suggests that 40% of people in the hospital diagnosed with type 2 diabetes have type 3c diabetes. The two jobs of the pancreas are to make insulin and digest fat.
This test does not differentiate between the normal range and the prediabetes range. It takes regular checks of your blood sugar and visits with your healthcare provider to find the regimen that works best for you. Making diet and lifestyle changes is important with managing diabetes, but it’s not always enough. Take, for example, a woman with type 2 who keeps her blood glucose in goal range without daily blood glucose checks. She may not need regular self-monitoring to manage her diabetes, but an illness or a new medication might affect her numbers. Meter checks can provide important information to share with her provider.
How Does the Blood Test Work?
There are different types of blood tests used to diagnose diabetes. The most common one is the fasting plasma glucose test, where you have to fast for at least 8 hours before getting your blood drawn. Another test is the oral glucose tolerance test, where you drink a sugary solution and then have your blood tested at certain intervals. These tests help healthcare providers determine how well your body is able to regulate glucose levels.
Interpreting the Results
If your blood test shows high levels of glucose, it could indicate that you have diabetes. Normal glucose levels typically fall between 70-99 mg/dL when fasting and below 140 mg/dL after eating. If your levels are consistently higher than these ranges, your healthcare provider may diagnose you with diabetes and recommend further testing and treatment options.
In conclusion, a blood test is a crucial tool in diagnosing diabetes and monitoring its management. By measuring the levels of glucose in your blood, healthcare providers can determine if you have diabetes and create a personalized treatment plan to help you manage the condition effectively.
