Essay On Type 2 Diabetes

Receiving an accurate diagnosis for Type 2 diabetes early in its stage is critical for proper management of the disease condition. Diabetes that is not managed correctly can illicit severe complications like: loss of eyesight, heart disease, kidney disease, and loss of limbs. Diabetes in the United States is the seventh leading cause of death according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetics are two times more likely to die at the same age as people who do not have diabetes. Most people seek treatment due to having symptoms such as: polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, wounds that will not heal, and blurred vision. It is recommended that people begin screening for diabetes at the age of 45. However, there are other factors …show more content…
The first test is called the Hemoglobin A1C Test. This test measures the average blood sugar level over a long period of time (2 Months). Usually, an A1C level of 6.5% or higher on two different tests indicates Type 2 diabetes; second, is the Fasting Glucose Test, which includes the doctor taking a blood sample after a night of fasting. A normal fasting blood sugar level is < 100mg/dl. If the blood sugar level after fasting is between 100 to 125mg/dl, this indicates pre-diabetes. When the test results indicate fasting blood sugar levels > 126mg/dl on two different tests, the patient has Type 2 diabetes; third, Random (Non-Fasting) Blood Glucose Test can be used by the doctor. This test assesses blood sugar levels, regardless of the last meal consumed. If blood sugar levels are > than 200mg/dl, then the patient is considered to have Type 2 diabetes; fourth, is the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test. This test involves an overnight fast, drinking a liquid high in sugar and taking periodic tests that indicate blood sugar levels over several hours. If after two hours there is a reading > 200mg/dl, the patient is diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. If the levels are between 140mg/dl and 200mg/dl, then the patient would be considered