Diabetes: Overview, Symptoms and Tests

Diabetes is quite a common ailment that develops when the blood sugar or blood glucose in the body is too high. The blood glucose is the main source of energy for people, which comes from the food they consume. The hormone insulin that is made by the pancreas aids the glucose from food to get into the cells of the body so that it can be used for energy. In certain cases, the body does not make enough (or even any) insulin or does not use insulin effectively. Hence, the glucose stays in the blood and does not reach the cells. This condition is referred to as diabetes. Having too much glucose in the blood can cause several health problems over time, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye problems, dental disease, nerve damage, and foot problems. 

Symptoms of diabetes

• Increased thirst
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores
• Frequent urination
• Extreme hunger
• Unexplained weight loss

Doctors often recommend blood sugar or diabetes tests to people experiencing the symptoms of having high blood glucose levels.  Such tests are also recommended for people who are at a high risk of developing diabetes, such as overweight individuals, as well as people with high blood pressure, high triglycerides, or low good cholesterol levels (HDL). 

Types of blood sugar tests

People may take a blood sugar test in two ways. One involves drawing blood from the vein and in the other one people have to prick their finger using a glucometer. The second method is meant for daily testing and used by people who are already diagnosed with diabetes and have to monitor or manage their blood sugar levels. 

Blood samples are generally used to screen for or diagnose diabetes, and doctors generally prescribe a fasting blood sugar (FBS) test or a haemoglobin A1C test for it. The blood sugar levels or the glycosylated haemoglobin is measured through this test. Its result would show if a person has prediabetes or diabetes. This is very low to almost no side effects to this test. People just might feel a bit of swelling, bruising or/and soreness at the puncture site.