Breaking Down Diabetes | Part 3 | Symptoms and Diagnosis of Diabetes
May 15, 2019 | Abigail Mckay

Breaking Down Diabetes | Part 3 | Symptoms and Diagnosis of Diabetes

In the past two articles, we have discussed the different types of diabetes and the causes behind the malfunction of the insulin/glucose relationship. We will be moving forward in our discussion to review hallmark symptoms and diagnostic tools that are used when these manifestations arise.

Symptoms include:

1.      Excess Thirst

2.      Frequent Urination

3.      Fatigue

4.      Weight Loss

5.      Slow-healing wounds

6.      Increased Hunger

 

When experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek the opinion of a medical professional. While some of these can be individually linked to other medical conditions, typically people diagnosed with diabetes present with multiple symptoms out of the list above.

So, when discussing these symptoms with a physician, what diagnostic tools are used moving forward to make a proper diagnosis? There are a variety of blood tests available for diagnosing diabetes including A1C, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and random plasma glucose (RPG). While FPG and RPG are early diagnostic tools that are frequently used, A1C is the preferred indicator of diabetes because it will allow the physician to review your average blood sugars over the last three months. 

Sometimes, the blood tests will reveal a condition called prediabetes, which signals that there is an issue with insulin resistance or insulin production by the pancreas. However, the malfunction has not become significant enough to initiate permanent change, as seen in diabetes. At this juncture, there is an opportunity to take back your health and reverse the condition through diet modification and exercise. The ultimate goal is to prevent or alter the damage that can occur from the serious chronic medical condition known as diabetes.

Tomorrow, we will take all the information gathered thus far and examine the treatment of diabetes as well as the preventative measures that both non-diabetics and diabetics alike should be implementing. Stay tuned for the next article in the series titled “Treatment Options for Diabetes."

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Abigail Mckay

Abigail has been a nurse for five years, and throughout her time as a nurse, she has worked in multiple medical-surgical units as well as spent time in the infusion therapy clinic and endoscopy lab. She is passionate about preventative medicine through patient education regarding nutrition and exercise. Due to her passion, Abigail has gone on to earn two certifications including a certification in medical-surgical nursing (CMSRN) and a certification in holistic nursing (HNB-BC), in hopes of being able to better serve her patients. Abigail earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA and now bettering patient education in the healthcare system through partnering with American TelePhysicians.