Describe how diabetes is dignoise and monitored in individual?
DiagnosisDiagnosing diabetes involves several tests and evaluation by a healthcare professional. Here's how it's done:
1.Symptoms Assessment
The process starts with a discussion about your signs and symptoms. Your doctor will ask about excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, increased hunger, fatigue, blurred, vision, and slow-healing sores.
2. Fasting Blood Glucose Test
After fasting overnight, a blood sample is taken to measure your fasting blood glucose level. Normal fasting blood glucose is usually less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L). A level of 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.
3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
If your fasting blood glucose level is borderline high, your doctor may order an OGTT. This test measures how your body processes glucose after consuming a sugary drink. If your blood glucose level reaches or exceeds 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) two hours after drinking the glucose solution, you may have diabetes.
4. Random Blood Glucose Test
In some cases, a random blood glucose test may be done if symptoms strongly suggest diabetes. A non - fasting blood glucose level of 200mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher may indicate diabetes.
5. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test
HbA1c test measures your average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. It reflects how well your blood glucose has been controlled over time. An HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher suggests diabetes.
Monitoring:
Once you're diagnosed with diabetes, regular monitoring is crucial to manage your blood glucose levels effectively.
1. Self -Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG)
People with diabetes use a blood glucose meter to regularly check their blood glucose levels throughout the day. This allows you to understand how your diet, exercise, and medications are affecting blood glucose control.
2. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
CGM devices provide real-time glucose data through a sensor inserted under the skin. They can track blood glucose trends, identify patterns, and alert you to high or low levels, helping you make better treatment decisions.
3. Urine Ketone Testing,
Ketones are produced when your body breaks down fat for energy due to insufficient insulin. If blood glucose levels are consistently high, ketones can accumulate in the urine and become detectable through a simple urine test. High ketone levels may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious diabetic complication.
4. HbA1c Test
Regular HbA1c testing helps your healthcare provider assess how well your diabetes management plan is working. It's typically recommended to repeat this test every 3 to 6 months, or more frequently if your blood glucose levels are unstable.
5. Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Monitoring:
People with diabetes are at higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol levels is important to prevent these complications.
By working closely with your doctor, following a comprehensive treatment plan, regularly monitoring blood glucose levels, and making healthy lifestyle chooses, you can effectively manage diabetes and prevent or delays its complications.