Diabetes Education

Symptoms

Some general symptoms of diabetes include:

• Fatigue
• Unexpected weight loss
• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Excessive urination
• Sores that do not heal
• Blurred vision
• Heart trouble
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet

All of the above can be the symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes except sores. It is a symptom of type 2 diabetes only. There are no symptoms of gestational diabetes. It is diagnosed during routine check-ups. However, a woman with gestational diabetes can experience excessive thirst and frequent urination.

Symptoms in men include:

• Decreased sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction (E.D.)
• Poor muscle strength

Symptoms in women include:

• Urinary tract infections (UTI)
• Yeast infections
• Dry and itchy skin

Diagnosis

The following tests are used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes:

• Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test (Prediabetes range: 5.7 to 6.4; Diabetes range: 6.5 or above)
• Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test (Prediabetes range: 100 to 125; Diabetes range: 126 or above)
• Random plasma glucose (RPG) test (Diabetes range: 200 or above)

To diagnose gestational diabetes, the following tests are used:

• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (Prediabetes range: 140 to 199; Diabetes range: 200 or above)
• Glucose challenge test

As the symptoms of diabetes are not as evident, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has recommended the screening guidelines for diabetes for the following people:

• People with a body mass index (BDI) higher than 25 (23 for Asian Americans).
• People older than 45 years
• Women who ever had gestational diabetes
• People with prediabetes

Treatment

Blood sugar monitoring, insulin, and oral medications can play a role in the treatment of diabetes, depending on its type. Some available treatments recommended for all types of diabetes include:

•  Eating healthy food
• Exercise
• Maintaining an ideal weight

However, there are some treatments associated with each type of diabetes. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be treated through:

• Insulin
• Monitoring blood sugar
• Oral medications
  • Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
  • Sulfonylureas
  • Biguanides
  • Meglitinides
  • DPP-4 inhibitors
  • SGLT2 inhibitors
  • Thiazolidinediones
  • Glucagon-like peptides
• Bariatric surgery
• Pancreas transplantation

On the other hand, to treat gestational diabetes, you must maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout your pregnancy. You can add healthy food and exercise to your routine. In addition, your treatment plan may include monitoring your blood sugar several times a day to ensure the healthy development of your baby. In some cases, doctors may recommend you to take insulin or oral medications, such as metformin, that are safe for you and your baby.

Prevention

It is not possible to prevent type 1 diabetes. Some risk factors causing type 2 and gestational diabetes, such as genetics and family history, can not be prevented. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you prevent type 2 and gestational diabetes. 

You can take the following preventive measure to avoid diabetes:

• Lose you weight
• Eat healthy food
• Exercise more

When You Should Consult The Doctor

If you can relate yourself to any of the following risk factors of diabetes, you should visit your doctor for a blood sugar level test:

• Family history
• Environmental factors
• The presence of immune system cells that may damage the pancreas (autoantibodies)
• Weight
• Poor lifestyle
• Age
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Specific race and ethnicity (such as African, Hispanic, American Indian, and Asian American)
• Specific geographical locations ( such as Finland and Sweden)