DIABETES SCREENING

Diabetes is a disease that is caused when your blood sugar or glucose is too high. In a normal functioning body, the pancreas produces insulin and helps your blood sugar regulation while turning sugar into food that can be used for energy.

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF DIABETES

Type 1

Type 1 diabetes occurs when your immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells the pancreas creates. There is no sure known cause of why this happens, but without insulin, your body will not function properly.

Type 2

Type 2 diabetes is caused by lifestyle choices including obesity, poor diet and lack of physical activity. Insulin resistance plays a role in the development of Type 2 diabetes. This is a condition where your liver, muscle and fat cells do not use insulin well. Sugar then builds up in the body causing diabetes.

SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES

Fatigue
Blurred
Increased thirst and urination
Numbness in the hands or feet
Sores that take a while to heal
Weight loss
Increased hunger

HOW TO SCREEN FOR DIABETES

Fasting Plasma Glucose Test:

This test involves checking your blood sugar while you’re fasting. If your blood sugar is higher than 125 mg/dL, you will be retested to confirm a diagnosis.

Oral glucose Tolerance Test:

This test involves drinking a sugar solution before having your blood drawn. Test results over 200 mg/dL or higher will require a retest to confirm a diagnosis.