02/12/2023
Diabetes is a health condition where your body has trouble managing sugar (glucose) levels in your blood. This happens because of an issue with insulin, a hormone that helps glucose get into your cells to provide them with energy. There are two main types of diabetes:
a. Type 1 diabetes
The body doesn't produce insulin at all, requiring insulin injections for managing blood sugar levels.
b. Type 2 diabetes
The body doesn't use insulin properly or doesn't produce enough, making it challenging to regulate blood sugar levels. It's often related to lifestyle factors like diet and exercise. Accessing care for diabetes typically involves visiting healthcare professionals. They can help with diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
Diagnosis is from laboratory tests like fasting blood sugar tests, oral glucose tolerance tests, or HbA1C tests to diagnose diabetes. Depending on the type of diabetes diagnosed, the healthcare provider will suggest a treatment plan. This might include lifestyle changes, medication, insulin, or a combination of these. Managing diabetes involves keeping track of blood sugar levels. This can be done at home with a glucose meter. Periodic visits to the healthcare provider help in reviewing these levels and making necessary adjustments to the needed diabetes management.
HbA1C Test
Measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. -
Fasting Blood Sugar Test
Measures blood sugar after a period of fasting.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
Measures blood sugar levels before and after consuming a glucose drink to assess how your body handles sugar.
Lipid Profile Test
Assesses cholesterol levels, which are important as diabetes can affect heart health.
These tests help in understanding how well blood sugar is controlled, assessing risks for complications, and guiding treatment adjustments. Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and guidance on accessing care and specific tests needed for diabetes management.