Diabetes is a lifestyle disorder that has affected millions globally. India already has around 77 million people affected with diabetes. A condition that prevents you from using your food for energy because of insufficient production of insulin. Diabetes is of two types: Type 1 is an autoimmune condition where your cells attack the beta cells of the pancreas affecting insulin production. Type 2 is related to lifestyle with an increase in weight that causes insulin resistance. The body is not able to use glucose for energy and the blood sugar levels increase making you prone to the disease.
Why early detection?
Diabetes can lead to several health complications if not managed properly. Early detection prevents further complications that can occur because of the disease. It helps you regulate blood glucose levels. Excess blood glucose levels can cause complications. The complications include kidney disease, and blur vision accompanied by vision loss. Excess blood glucose in the kidneys makes it difficult to flush toxins. As a result salt and water retention in the kidneys. This can damage the kidneys. Diabetes can cause high blood pressure by an increase in blood sugar levels. High blood sugars cause fat deposition in blood vessels and cause high blood pressure.
Overview of Home Testing Options
Glucometer
A portable electronic device known as a glucometer is used to test blood glucose levels at home. A handy device with which you can monitor your blood glucose levels. The glucometer measures blood sugar after an overnight fast.
A1C Test
A measure of average blood glucose levels for two to there months is the HbA1c test. A common test used in diagnosing prediabetes and diabetes. A prominent test that helps the healthcare team to help you manage your diabetes.
Glucose breath test
A non-invasive approach to measuring blood glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes.
Fasting blood sugar test
A fasting blood sugar level of 99 mg/dL indicates normal sugar levels. A fasting blood sugar level of 100-125mg/dL is an indication of being pre-diabetic and 126mg/dL is an indication of being diabetic.
Glucose screening test
A test that records real-time scores of your blood sugar. You are asked to drink glucose water, and after an hour, blood is drawn to check the blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels of 140mg/dL or lower are normal.
Glucose tolerance test
A lab test that detects blood glucose levels. It determines blood glucose levels by tracking sugar moving from the blood into the tissues. The tissues include muscles or fat. This is a similar test done in the case of pregnancy but with a different approach.
Continuous glucose monitors
These are designed to check blood glucose at timed intervals throughout the day. You need not use a needle to prick the body for blood. Check the glucose readings on he monitor.
Ear-lobe test:
Glucotrack is a non-invasive approach to check blood sugar levels. Clip your ear lobes with Glucotrack to check track blood glucose levels. Glucose levels get tracked through the use of technologies such as electromagnetic, ultrasound and thermal.
Common Symptoms of Diabetes
- Frequent thirst
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Hunger pangs
- Blur vision
- Numbness of hands and feet
- Feeling exhausted
- Sores that do not easily heal
- Prone to infections
- Dry skin
- Itchy skin
Symptoms that require immediate medical attention
If you are a person with diabetes, you may be wondering which of the symptoms require immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing symptoms of dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, breathing difficulties, wounds that do not heal for a long time, or recurrent skin infections.
Diabetes: Understand the difference between type 1 and type 2
Type 1 diabetes is a genetic condition and an autoimmune disease that selectively destroys beta cells in the pancreas. The autoimmune diseases are usually organ-specific harming a particular organ. Type 1 diabetes symptoms include yeast infection, blur vision because of eyes changing shapes, bruises, or wounds that take a long time to heal.
Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease and the symptoms are numbness and tingling sensation in the hands and feet, Skin darkening in the armpits and neck. Though, the common symptoms include hunger, thirst, and urination.
How to use a blood glucose meter at home
The test kit consists of a needle and a test kit. Wash your hands before the test and dry well. Prick the fingertip with the needle or lancet provided in the test kit and insert it into the meter for a blood sugar test. Have a grip on the edge of the test strip for a drop of blood.
Preparing for the test
The best time to use a blood glucose meter is after a meal or at bedtime. Do not drink or eat anything before 12 hours of the test.
Obtaining a blood sample
Drink water and refrain from consuming food or water 8 hours before the glucometer test. You can also check for fasting blood glucose levels in the morning to avoid fasting during the day.
Reading and interpreting the results
A normal glucometer reading normal diabetes level is 99 mg/dL and 100 to 125 mg/dL is prediabetes, 126mg/dL indicates high blood sugar. The blood sample is used to identify the effects of diabetes medications on blood sugar levels. Check for fluctuations in the sugar levels, high or low. Understand the effect of diet and exercise on blood sugar levels. Evaluate how stress can affect your blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a disease that is known to have affected millions globally. Visiting a lab frequently can cause some distress in case you feel tired due to the disease. So, you can check diabetes at home by following the guidance for different tests given above that will increase your convenience and comfort.
