Do You Have Diabetes?
Author: Sara | Category: HealthPhoto Credit: Stanford - Wellsphere
It is estimated that over 5 million Americans are walking around with undiagnosed Diabetes. This means that they are experiencing damage to their blood vessels, eyes, heart, and kidneys that may be unrepairable.
Diabetes is defined as a disease that occurs when your body does not make enough or cannot metabolize insulin. A high level of glucose builds up in the blood, and it is very hazardous to your health. In its early stages, Diabetes has few symptoms, and a person can be suffering all kinds of serious health risks and not have a clue about it.
Often, the screening for this disease can only be done after the person fasts for 24 hours, and then the blood test used most often, right now, can be and sometimes is inaccurate. Blood sugar levels must be no higher than 125 milligrams per deciliter. Doctors recommend that each person have at least two tests done that show this high level of blood sugar, before making this diagnosis.
If you have tingling or some numbness in your hands and feet, extreme thirst, blurry vision, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, tiredness or any injury which will not heal; there is a possibility that you should be screened for diabetes.
A recent study has shown that people can go undiagnosed and be symptom free for about five years, and during this time, they are experiencing very damaging effects to their heart, kidneys, nerve damage, and many other serious complications.
Today it was announced that there is a new test for this dreaded disease. It is called the A1C blood glucose test and it measures blood sugar levels over a period of two to three months. No fasting is required and the results are more accurate than older tests, which have been in place for more than 30 years. Since blood sugar is very difficult to measure, and a test could have false results if a person had just exercised or if the sample of blood taken is kept in a room which has a cold temperature; the new process will give a much more consistent result in a more controlled environment.
If there is a history of diabetes in your family, or if you have had any of the symptoms that suggest a problem with your blood sugar, it would be a good idea to check with your doctor and ask to take this new test as well as the standard testing. Also, if you are overweight and rarely exercise, studies have shown that people who improve their diets, lose enough weight to be within the proper range for their age and body structure, and who walk or exercise for at least 30 minutes several times a week, can reduce their risk of getting diabetes by about 58 per cent.
Once again, being proactive, and getting tested if you want to have information that can protect your health, is within your power to do. It’s your life, your wellness, and your choice; and now there is better testing for a more accurate result.









