Diagnosing Type 2 Diabetes

What does a Type 2 Diagnosis Mean for You?

Perhaps you have heard someone say “They have a touch of Diabetes”. Well, like being pregnant, you either are or you aren’t, there is no in between. But what exactly is Type 2 Diabetes and what is the procedure(s) used in diagnosing Type 2 Diabetes? And, what physical issues/symptoms will I notice if I have (or think I have) a Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis looming in my future? These are all legitimate questions, and thanks to dedicated researchers, much more is known today about a disease whose growth is on the rise.

Diagnosing Type 2 Diabetes Q & A

1. What is Type 2 Diabetes? If you are diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, it means that while your body produces insulin, it is not enough or the body is unable to recognize the insulin properly or to use it. This is known as insulin resistance.
2. Are there other physical issues to be concerned about after a Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis? Yes. People who have Type 2 Diabetes are at a higher risk for heart disease, hypertension, nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy.
3. What physical symptoms could be indicative of a Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis? Excessive thirst, increased hunger even though you just ate, dry mouth, nausea and occasional vomiting, excessive urination, feeling week and tire, blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the extremities, and frequent infection of the skin, urinary tract, or vagina.
   

Now that you know about Type 2 Diabetes, you may be wondering how a Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis is derived? To begin with, Type 2 Diabetes, as well as Type 1 Diabetes and gestational Diabetes, are all diagnosed through the same tests—the random plasma test and the fasting plasma glucose test. (If you are pregnant, a glucose challenge test will be implemented as well. The random plasma test in Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis is one of the easiest ways to begin diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes. The test determines how much glucose (sugar) is in the blood without fasting. If you have Type 2 Diabetes symptoms and your blood glucose is 200 mg/dl or more you could receive a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes. The fasting plasma glucose test is the preferred way to diagnose Type 2 Diabetes. The test is done after you have not eaten for 8-10 hours. A blood sample is drawn and tested. If the glucose is over 126 mg/dl then you will likely hear a Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis.

A Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis is more common if you are overweight or obese, if Diabetes is already in your family, and if you are over the age of 30 (although Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis are not unheard of in children—especially in Native Americans- as young as 10 years old.)

As Diabetes can have many damaging and even debilitating effects on the body, be sure to contact your doctor should contact your doctor should have any of these aforementioned symptoms. The sooner a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes is made, the quicker you can begin to make changes for a healthier, richer life.

Diabetic Seniors Team

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