Diabetes

Almost 25% of people in the US do not know they have diabetes. That being said, most people do not know what to look for when it comes to diabetes. There are set risk factors that can increase your chance of getting diabetes at some point. One risk factor is having a body mass index greater than 25 and being physically inactive. Another risk factor is being of a certain ethnic group such as American Asian, Latino, Native American, African American, and Pacific Islander. Some other risk factors include previously having gestational diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, hypertension, and an HDL level less than 35mg/dl or a triglyceride level above 250mg/dl. Now some of these risk factors are easy to spot (ethnicity, obesity, and inactivity) yet some can be difficult without diagnosis from a medical doctor. With a simple blood draw, you can test HDL and triglyceride levels. The doctor can also test to see if you are hypertensive (high blood pressure) or if you have polycystic ovarian syndrome. Now just because you might have these risk factors, does not mean that you are diagnosed with Diabetes. There are certain tests that must be performed to properly diagnose Diabetes.

The following tests must be performed to properly diagnose you with diabetes: 1 hour glucose tolerance test, random blood glucose test, fasting blood glucose test, and hemoglobin A1c test. With this information the doctor will be able to properly diagnose you. But you may ask how do I know if I have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is the result of the destruction of pancreatic beta cells. Your body is no longer able to produce insulin, which is needed to turn glucose into energy in the body. If there is no insulin present, your body will store the glucose into something called glucagon instead of using the glucose for energy like the body is supposed to do. Type 1 diabetics need insulin to survive. With type 2 diabetes, your body is insulin resistant. Type 2 is usually linked to obesity and can be controlled through diet and exercise in the best conditions. Ask your primary care physician for information or go to http://www.diabetes.org/.