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Blood Glucose Test

Diabetes is a disease that causes your blood glucose level to spike. This is due to either a lack of insulin or an inability to use insulin effectively. Insulin is produced in the pancreas. It’s a hormone that helps your body turn glucose into energy. If you’re not converting the sugar, then you will end up with a high blood glucose level. A blood glucose test can confirm this.

This can be a dangerous situation. High blood glucose levels can lead to consequences such as kidney disease, nerve damage, heart conditions, blindness, and in some cases amputation. Diabetes affects up to 20 per cent of people in the developed world. Yet, many people do not know they have it.

Some people don’t show any symptoms of diabetes. But some signs of a high blood glucose level include extreme exhaustion, or blurry vision. You may need to urinate more frequently or you may feel very tired. Other signs can include numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Medical conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol can also indicate a high blood glucose level. Dark patches on the skin may also be a sign.

Some people are more likely to develop high blood sugar than others. People who are over 40 should be tested for diabetes regularly. People who are overweight are also at a high risk. If you are of African, Aboriginal, Hispanic or Asian descent, you may also be more prone to developing diabetes.People with close family members are also at high risk and should have a blood glucose test.

There are basically three types of diabetes. Type one accounts for about 10 per cent of cases, and usually is diagnosed in children or youth. They are unable to produce any insulin. People with type two diabetes either can’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it effectively. Gestational diabetes is a form of the disease that pregnant women experience. The condition usually clears up after birth. It can be a sign that these women are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Someone with severe mental health issues could also be at higher risk of diabetes.

Go to a doctor and be tested is you show the symptoms of diabetes. A blood glucose test is usually used to determine whether you are in need of diabetic treatment. You will need to fast for about 12 hours before you have a blood glucose test.

Diabetes can be treated with insulin, lifestyle changes or both. Type one diabetics will need to administer insulin on a daily basis. Type two diabetics may be able to normalize theirblood glucose level by eating properly, exercising and controlling their weight.

Insulin can only be injected, not taken orally. You need to administer the insulin directly into the fatty layer of tissue just below the skin for it to work effectively in your blood stream. Insulin can be administered with syringes, pumps or pens. Some people may be able to use an inhaler. A regular blood glucose test will help ensure your plan is working. So will a home blood glucose meter.

For many people, a combination of lifestyle changes and insulin will help control their blood glucose level. Diabetes Research has led to modern medical advances, which make insulin injections that barely hurt at all. Most people have a lot more energy when they get their blood glucose level under control.

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