Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body either does not produce insulin or does not use insulin effectively, causing an elevation in blood glucose. The treatment of diabetes aims to maintain euglycemia.

Sign and Symptoms

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Excessive hunger
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow healing

Risk factors

• Family history
• Overweight
• Over 40
• History of high cholesterol, high triglycerides, LDL
• History of high blood pressure
• History of gestation diabetes
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Delivered a baby > 9lbs.
• Pre-diabetic condition on previous testing

Diagnosis

There are three ways to diagnose diabetes. The fasting plasma glucose is preferred.

• Fasting plasma glucose >126mg/dl (confirmed by repeat testing).
• Casual plasma glucose > 200mg/dl plus symptoms.
• Oral glucose tolerance test with two hour plasma glucose > 200mg/dl.

It has been proven that high blood sugar increases the risk for eye disease, kidney disease, vascular and neurological problems especially in the feet.

Diabetes is a disease that results in high blood glucose levels. Increases in blood glucose levels have been associated with eye disease and foot problems. Increased glucose levels in the blood stream irritate and damage the small vessels within the eyes and feet. The goal for diabetes management is Euglycemia. 

For additional information, please call 631-444-4000.