Diabetes

Full Answer Section Diagnostic Procedures for Diabetes There are a few different diagnostic procedures that can be used to diagnose diabetes. These include:

• Fasting blood sugar test: This test measures your blood sugar after you have fasted for at least 8 hours. A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): This test measures your blood sugar after you have fasted for at least 8 hours and then drank a sugary liquid. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher 2 hours after drinking the liquid indicates diabetes.
• A1C test: This test measures your average blood sugar level over the past 3 months. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.

Progression of Diabetes If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels can fluctuate over time. If your blood sugar levels are not well-controlled, you may develop complications of diabetes. Some of the complications of diabetes include:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Blindness
• Kidney failure
• Amputations
• Neuropathy (nerve damage)
• Sexual dysfunction
• Gum disease
• Depression

Treatments for Diabetes There is no cure for diabetes, but there are treatments that can help you manage your blood sugar levels and prevent complications. The type of treatment you need will depend on the type of diabetes you have and how well your blood sugar levels are controlled. Treatments for diabetes include:

• Diet and exercise
• Medications
• Insulin therapy

Healthcare Providers Who Treat Diabetes There are a variety of healthcare providers who can treat diabetes. These include:

• Primary care providers: Primary care providers, such as family doctors and internists, can diagnose and manage diabetes.
• Endocrinologists: Endocrinologists are doctors who specialize in the treatment of hormones. They can provide specialized care for people with diabetes.
• Diabetes educators: Diabetes educators are specially trained to teach people with diabetes how to manage their condition.
• Nutritionists: Nutritionists can help you create a healthy eating plan for people with diabetes.
• Physical therapists: Physical therapists can help you develop an exercise plan that is safe and effective for people with diabetes.

Potential Complications of Diabetes If you have diabetes, you are at increased risk for developing a variety of complications. These complications can be serious and even life-threatening. Some of the potential complications of diabetes include:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Blindness
• Kidney failure
• Amputations
• Neuropathy (nerve damage)
• Sexual dysfunction
• Gum disease
• Depression

List of Providers Who Treat Diabetes in Your Area To find a provider who treats diabetes in your area, you can use the following resources:

• Your health insurance company: Your health insurance company may have a list of providers who treat diabetes in your network.
• The American Diabetes Association: The American Diabetes Association has a website that lists diabetes providers in your area.
• The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse has a website that lists diabetes providers in your area.

Conclusion Diabetes is a serious chronic health condition that can affect your entire body. However, with proper management, you can live a long and healthy life with diabetes. If you have any concerns about your diabetes, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.

Sample Answer Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Most of the food you eat is broken down into sugar (glucose) and released into your bloodstream. Your body uses insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, to help glucose get into your cells for energy. If you have diabetes, your body either doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't use insulin effectively. This causes glucose to build up in your blood. Over time, high blood sugar can cause serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and amputations. Symptoms of Diabetes The symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on the type of diabetes you have. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually develop suddenly and can be severe. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes may develop slowly and may be so mild that you don't notice them. Some of the symptoms of diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Extreme hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores or cuts
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
• Irritability or mood swings