Written by
Kanchanaporn Denkirati, Pharm.D.
Pharmacist at HealthyMax Store
Today, people are living longer. However, age-related physical decline, living conditions, changing lifestyles, and unhealthy habits have made chronic diseases one of the most important health issues worldwide. Diabetes, in particular, has become a major concern. The International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization recognized the rapidly increasing incidence of diabetes around the world and established World Diabetes Day, which is observed on November 14 each year. Although diabetes may not cause immediate life-threatening danger, having high blood sugar for a long time without proper care or treatment can lead to serious complications. To help protect ourselves and our loved ones from diabetes, let us learn more about this disease and understand it better.
Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by abnormalities in the body, either because it cannot produce enough insulin or because it cannot use glucose properly, resulting in high blood sugar levels.
Types of Diabetes can be divided into 4 categories based on their causes.
1. Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the beta cells in the pancreas cannot produce insulin. It is usually found in younger people with a non-obese body type. Common symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases, diabetic ketoacidosis may also occur.
2. Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form, accounting for about 95% of all diabetes cases. It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin for the body’s needs, or when the body develops insulin resistance. It is commonly found in people aged 30 and above, especially those who are overweight or obese.
3. Gestational Diabetes is diabetes first detected during pregnancy.
4. Specific Types of Diabetes Due to Other Causes refer to diabetes with a clearly identifiable cause that prevents the pancreas from producing insulin properly, such as genetic disorders, pancreatic disease, endocrine disorders, medication-related causes, infections, or immune-related conditions.
Symptoms of Diabetes
People with diabetes may experience symptoms such as frequent and excessive urination, increased hunger, excessive eating, dry mouth, excessive thirst, weight loss, wounds that heal slowly, itchy skin, blurred vision, and numbness in the hands or feet.
Diagnosis of Diabetes can be made by any one of the following 4 methods.
1. For individuals with clear symptoms of diabetes, such as excessive thirst, frequent and excessive urination, and unexplained weight loss, a blood glucose test can be done at any time without fasting. If the result is ≥ 200 mg/dL, it is considered diagnostic of diabetes.
2. A fasting plasma glucose test performed in the morning after fasting for more than 8 hours. A result of ≥ 126 mg/dL is considered diagnostic. This method is suitable for routine health checkups and for people without symptoms.
3. An oral glucose tolerance test. If the blood sugar level 2 hours after drinking a glucose solution is ≥ 200 mg/dL, it is considered diagnostic of diabetes.
4. An A1C test. If the value is ≥ 6.5%, it is considered diagnostic of diabetes.
For people who do not have clear symptoms of diabetes, the blood test should usually be repeated on another day using the same method in order to confirm the diagnosis and reduce the possibility of laboratory error.
Now that we have learned about the types, symptoms, and diagnosis of diabetes, studying a lot may feel tiring at times, but if we keep learning step by step, we may even grow to love it ^^ With love and care from the HealthyMax admin team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Basic questions about diabetes, symptoms, and diagnosis
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition related to blood sugar levels that are higher than normal. It may occur because the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively.
How many types of diabetes are there?
In general, diabetes can be divided into 4 main groups: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and specific types of diabetes caused by other factors.
What are the common early symptoms of diabetes?
- Frequent and excessive urination
- Frequent thirst
- Increased hunger or overeating
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Slow-healing wounds, blurred vision, or numbness in the hands or feet
If I do not have symptoms, should I still get tested?
Yes, you can still be tested, especially if you have risk factors or are having a routine health checkup. Some people may not have obvious symptoms even though their blood sugar is already abnormal.
How is diabetes diagnosed?
Doctors may use several tests, such as the A1C test, fasting blood sugar test, oral glucose tolerance test, or a random blood sugar test in people with clear symptoms.
Which test results are commonly used to confirm diabetes?
- A1C of 6.5% or higher
- Fasting plasma glucose of 126 mg/dL or higher
- 2-hour glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher after an oral glucose tolerance test
- In people with clear symptoms, a random plasma glucose of 200 mg/dL or higher may also be used
If the first test result is abnormal, should it be repeated?
For people without clear symptoms, the test is often repeated on another day to confirm the diagnosis. A doctor should interpret the result together with symptoms and medical history.
Who should be especially careful about diabetes?
People who are older, overweight or obese, have a family history of diabetes, or have unhealthy lifestyle habits should pay closer attention to regular health checkups and blood sugar monitoring.
Can this article replace a doctor’s diagnosis?
No. This information is intended for basic education and self-care awareness only. If you have unusual symptoms or abnormal test results, you should see a doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis.