American Diabetes Association (ADA) Diabetes Guidelines

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), diabetes is a condition in which the body does not make insulin or does not use insulin properly. It is estimated that 5 to 10 percent of Americans with diabetes have type 1 (juvenile/insulin dependent). The majority have type 2 (non-insulin dependent). It is important to understand diabetes in order to properly treat it and promote good health.

Symptoms

• ADA guidelines list the symptoms of both type 1 and 2 diabetes as frequent urination, unusual hunger, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, irritability and blurred vision.

Diagnosis

• ADA guidelines recommend the Fasting Plasma Glucose test (FPG) to diagnose diabetes. A level of 126 mg/dl or greater is significant for diabetes.

Treatment

• Type 1 diabetes is not curable but it is treatable with insulin replacement. Type 2 is treated with oral medications or insulin replacement. Both types require a balanced diet, exercise and strict glucose monitoring and control.

Prevention

• According to the ADA, type 2 diabetes may be preventable: "Small changes in diet and exercise can prevent type 2 diabetes from developing or slow it in its tracks."

Considerations

• The ADA says that poorly controlled diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, hypertension, eye damage, nerve damage and poor healing injuries.

Warning

• If you suspect that you may have diabetes, and if you have one or more of the previously mentioned symptoms, the ADA recommends that you see your health care provider immediately.