Part 1: How is Diabetes Diagnosed?

Often, the early signs of diabetes can be subtle or even non-existent. That's why regular check-ups and a simple blood test are so crucial. Here's a look at the common diagnostic tests:

• A1C Test (Glycated Hemoglobin Test): Primarily responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics and regulation of the menstrual cycle.
  - Normal: Below 5.7%
  - Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
  - Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
  
• Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test: This test measures your blood sugar after an overnight fast (typically 8 hours).
  - Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL
  - Prediabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dL
  - Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher
  
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): This test is often used for pregnant women (to check for gestational diabetes) or when the results of other tests are inconclusive. You'll fast overnight, have your blood sugar measured, then drink a sugary beverage. Your blood sugar is then checked again after two hours.
  - Normal: Less than 140 mg/dL
  - Prediabetes: 140 to 199 mg/dL
  - Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher
  

What are the warning signs?

While a blood test is the definitive way to diagnose diabetes, be aware of potential symptoms, especially if they are persistent:

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Slow-healing sores or frequent infections

If you experience any of these, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor and get tested.

Part 2: Taking Control: Lifestyle and Medical Management

A diabetes diagnosis isn't a dead end—it's a call to action. The good news is that with dedicated management, you can prevent or delay complications and feel your best. The cornerstones of diabetes control are lifestyle modifications and, if necessary, medication.

• The Power of Food:
  - A Balanced Diet: Diet is arguably the most powerful tool in your diabetes management kit. It's not about deprivation; it's about smart choices.
  - Focus on Whole Foods: Emphasize non-starchy vegetables (like broccoli, spinach, and bell peppers), lean proteins (chicken, fish, tofu), and healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil).
  - Mind Your Carbs: Carbohydrates have the biggest impact on blood sugar. Choose complex carbs like whole grains, legumes, and fruits over simple, refined carbs like white bread and sugary drinks. Portion control is key.
  - Stay Hydrated: Water is your best friend. Skip the sodas and juices, which are loaded with sugar.
• The Move to Wellness:
  - Regular Exercise: Physical activity is a powerful way to lower your blood sugar. Exercise makes your body more sensitive to insulin, helping it use glucose for energy more efficiently. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week (e.g., brisk walking, cycling, swimming) Incorporate strength training a couple of times a week to build muscle, which also helps with blood sugar control.
  
• Medication and Monitoring:
  

  Partnering with Your Doctor For many people, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough. This is where modern medicine comes in.

  - Oral Medications: There are various pills that can help your body produce more insulin, use insulin more effectively, or slow down glucose absorption. Metformin and glimepiride may help to control blood sugar, however its recomended to consult your doctor before taking it. Some of ready brands with composition of Metformin and glimepiride are GLIMIKO-GP1, GLIMIKO-1G, GLIMIKO-MK-GP1
  

  

  - Insulin Therapy: If your body isn't producing enough insulin, your doctor may prescribe insulin injections. The devices are much more user-friendly than they used to be, and your healthcare team will teach you how to use them safely.
  - Regular Monitoring: Use a glucometer to check your blood sugar levels as advised by your doctor. This data is invaluable for understanding how food, exercise, and stress affect you, and it helps your doctor tailor your treatment plan.
  
• The Mental Game:
  - Managing Stress: Stress can cause your body to relese hormones that raise blood sugar. Find healthy ways to cope, whether it's through meditation, yoga, spending time in nature, or connecting with friends and family. A healthy mind supports a healthy body.
  

Conclusion

A diagnosis of diabetes is not the end of a healthy life—it’s the beginning of a new, more informed approach to wellness. By understanding the diagnostic process and embracing a proactive plan that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and consistent communication with your healthcare provider, you can not only manage diabetes but also thrive. Take it one step at a time, celebrate your successes, and remember that you are in control.

Disclamer

Content in this blog has taken from various offline and online sources and for information purpose only, so please consult your doctor before taking any medicine and its adivse to avoid self medication.