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Diabetes Testing

Diabetes is a serious disease with serious consequences. It is the fourth leading cause of death. It can also lead to kidney disease, heart disease, blindness and amputation. Diabetes testing is simple process that can save or improve your life.

Diabetes testing usually consists of fasting for at least 12 hours, before having a blood sample taken. A simple urine test at your doctors can sometimes signal that you need diabetes testing. Diabetes testing is more common for people over 40 who are more apt to get the disease. Diabetes testing often targets high risk groups such as Hispanics, Asians, Africans, and Aboriginals. People who are overweight, or with extra fat around the belly, should also consider diabetes testing.

If you have unusual thirst, or the need to urinate often, you should also consider asking your doctor for diabetes testing. People who experience blurry vision, or numbness and tingling in the hands and feet are also at a higher risk for diabetes. Impaired glucose tolerance, high blood pressure or high cholesterol could also signal diabetes. You may also need diabetes testing if you get frequent infections or cuts that heal too slowly. People with diabetes often feel extremely tired, or experience unusual weight changes. Some people never show any symptoms.

Gestational diabetes is a form of the disease that appears in pregnant women. It can also be a warning sign, as can having a baby over nine pounds. Type one diabetes accounts for 10 per cent of cases. It occurs in young people. Their bodies cannot produce any insulin. The most common form of diabetes is type two. In this case, your pancreas may not produce enough insulin, or your body may not use it effectively.

Diabetes testing will determine what form of the disease you have, and how you will need to treat it. Type one diabetics will have to take insulin, while type two may not need to. Sometimes lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Eating healthy, well-rounded meals is important. So is exercising to maintain a healthy weight.

Limiting sugar and carbohydrates to between 40 and 60 per cent of your diet is an important part of regulating your blood sugar. Carbohydrates are foods that contain glucose, which ends up staying in your blood stream if you are not managing your diabetes. Foods such as grains, breads, fruits, vegetables, sweets, and dairy products contain carbohydrates.

The hormone insulin helps your cells absorb glucose to produce energy. Insulin supplements may be necessary to do this. When the sugar remains in the blood stream it can lead to some serious side effects. For people with diabetes, testing their blood at various times daily will become routine.

Diabetics need to monitor their blood using a blood glucose meter, lance, lancet, and test strip. You prick your finger with a fresh lancet, and put a drop of blood on the test strip. Your blood glucose meter will determine how much sugar is in your blood. Sugar levels are usually lowest in the morning and highest after a meal.

Insulin supplements will help your body use that extra glucose if you don’t have enough insulin in your blood stream, or if you don’t use it effectively. Insulin must be injected in the fat below the skin with a syringe, pen or pump. Stomach acids destroy its effectiveness if taken orally.

There is currently no cure. But insulin and lifestyle changes can help you control your diabetes. Diabetes testing is an important step toward a healthy future. With proper management, you can still live a full and long life.

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