Do You Know if You Have Diabetes?
Dr. Virginia Phipps is an internist practicing in Jupiter, FL. Dr. Phipps specializes in the medical treatment of adults. Internists can act as a primary physician or a consultant to a primary physician. They manage both common and rare diseases. Dr. Phipps provides comprehensive care and manages treatment with surgeons... more
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when your body‘s blood sugars are too high. There are many people in the United States who have elevated blood sugars, but they are not aware. It has been estimated that as many as 463 million people in the world have diabetes.
There are many people who have diabetes but are unaware. Diabetes can cause many different complications, including heart disease, chronic kidney disease, strokes, nerve damage (also called neuropathy), damage to the eyes, and ulcers of the feet. Interestingly, cataracts can be an initial presentation of diabetes. Many of these conditions can be screened for with your annual health exam.
A simple fasting blood test or a finger prick could help with a diagnosis. If you’re fasting blood sugar is greater than 126 mg/dL, or your hemoglobin A1c is over 6.5%, you have been diagnosed with diabetes. Fasting usually means being without food for at least 8 to 12 hours. The hemoglobin A1c is a measure of the average levels of your blood sugars over the preceding 90 days.
Diabetes is a disease that can be managed with lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise. It is very important that patients are educated regarding food choices to illuminate elevated blood sugars. It is important that patients are motivated to exercise at least five days a week for at least 20 to 30 minutes each day. However, sometimes it is important to start treatment with medication to help lower significantly elevated blood sugars.
Persistently elevated blood sugars can lead to the complications mentioned above. The goal is always to prevent disease progression. Maintaining quality of life, promoting health, and preventing complications, are the key components of diabetes management. It is essential that doctors and patients share common goals for clinical success.
