Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by high levels of sugar in the blood due to the body’s inability to produce or use insulin effectively. There are two main types of diabetes, namely type 1 and 2. Type 1 is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. It usually develops in childhood or adolescence and requires daily insulin injections to manage blood sugar levels. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors such as obesity, poor diet, and lack of physical activity. It accounts for about 90% of all cases of diabetes and can often be managed with lifestyle changes, medication, or insulin therapy.
Both types of diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations if left untreated or poorly managed. Therefore, it is essential for individuals with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly, follow a healthy diet plan, exercise regularly, and take prescribed medications as directed by their healthcare provider.
Checking for diabetes involves measuring blood sugar levels through a simple blood test. This test can be done at a doctor’s office or at a home using a glucometer. Early detection and treatment can help prevent or delay the onset of complications. Moreover, knowing if you have diabetes can also help you make lifestyle changes that can improve your overall health. For instance, eating a healthy diet low in sugar and carbohydrates and engaging in regular exercise can help manage blood sugar levels and prevent complications.
Currently, the best in the market for testing for diabetes is the “Hemoglobin A1C test”. Also called the “HbA1c test”, it is considered as the gold standard. It is a kind of blood test that shows the average glucose level of a person for the past two to three months. Insulin is a hormone that enables glucose to get into our cells. Having diabetes means the low production of insulin in our body, resulting in glucose not being able to enter its supposed recipient, our cells, thus blood sugar levels increasing. The A1C test screens and diagnoses people for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. It primarily measures the percentage of a person’s RBC that have glucose-coated hemoglobin.
In conclusion, diabetes is a chronic illness that requires lifelong management. By taking proactive steps to manage this condition through lifestyle changes and medical treatment under professional guidance can help prevent complications associated with it.
Dr. Kre Johnson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician and the sole owner of Brownstone Healthcare and Aesthetics. She is the Medical Director of the City of Birmingham’s Employee Health Clinic-Brownstone BWell Birmingham. She is the Event Producer of Wifeology and the founder of Three Twenty Girls, Inc. She loves God, traveling, and all things Southern!!
Brownstone BWell: Brownstone Healthcare has partnered with the City of Birmingham to offer primary care services to the employees of the City of Birmingham for $0 copayment. This partnership is for preventative services & screenings and sick visits. We partner with your current primary care physician and our goal is to keep you out of the ER and urgent care. We do not share your information with the City of Birmingham. We uphold HIPPA and professional standards. You can visit us at our downtown location 1700 5th Ave N Birmingham, AL 35203 or Trussville: 4643 Camp Coleman Road #117 Trussville, AL 35173 205-202-5650 call for your appointment today.
Other References:
Hemoglobin Test
Basics of Diabetes
Symptoms and Causes of Diabetes
