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Fasting blood Sugar

Diabetes is a very common disease that some people estimate affects up to 20 per cent of people in the developed world. It has grown to be the fourth leading killer. It causes life changing medical consequences in many more people. Diabetes can lead to blindness, amputation, kidney disease or heart conditions. However, you can recognize and manage the condition with a simple fasting blood sugar test.

If you show any of the signs of diabetes you should ask your doctor for a fasting blood sugar test. Symptoms include blurry vision, extreme fatigue, and frequent urination. Diabetes can also cause tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. It can make you feel thirsty all the time. Your weight may also change without any explanation.

There are also certain people that are at a higher risk of diabetes than the general population. People over 40 should have a fasting blood sugar test regularly. People who come from an Asian, African, Aboriginal or Hispanic background show a tendency toward diabetes. As do people with a close family relative diagnosed with diabetes. If you are overweight, or carry extra weight around the abdomen, you should consider getting a fasting blood sugar test. If you have high blood pressure or cholesterol, you may want to request a fasting blood sugar test. People who have had gestational diabetes are more prone to falling victim to this serious condition.

A fasting blood sugar test involves abstaining from food for about 12 hours before having a sample of blood taken. This will help your doctor determine if you have diabetes. Type One Diabetes used to be called juvenile diabetes because it is generally diagnosed in youth, and means they cannot produce insulin at all. People with Type Two Diabetes may not properly produce or use insulin.

Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas. It allows your blood cells to absorb and use glucose to create energy. When this process is interrupted, then the glucose builds up in the blood stream. High blood glucose is also known as hyperglycemia. Over time this can lead to all sorts of other medical problems. However, a fasting blood sugar test can help diagnose diabetes, and prevent a lot of complications.

Your diabetes management plan might include a diabetic meal plan. Carbohydrates can lead to high blood glucose and must be taken in moderation. A dietician will help you develop a diabetes menu. When you eat is just as important as what you eat. Daily exercise is a necessary part of your diabetes management. Losing just ten pounds may help control your blood sugar levels. Controlling diabetes may also include insulin. Insulin is destroyed in the digestive juices of the stomach so it can not be taken like a pill. You will need to inject the insulin into the layer of fat under the skin for it to work properly. You can use a syringe, pump or pen to do this. Some people will be able to use an insulin inhaler. You will also need a blood glucose meter. This will monitor your blood sugar level at different times throughout the day. Your fasting blood sugar level in the morning will need to be tested. You will also test after meals to see how your insulin is working to absorb the extra glucose.

A combination of treatments will help you manage diabetes. It is also important to return to your doctor to see how you are doing. He will likely want to do another fasting blood glucose test to determine how well you are controlling your blood sugar levels.

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