As we continue with our series on Diabetes we will look at symptoms and some tests that can help us know if you are diabetic or not.
one very question you may ask yourself or may have experienced not knowing they are symptoms of diabetes include the following:
feeling tired regularly, increased hunger or thirst, unexplained lost of weight, frequent urination, blurred vision, skin infections or delayed wound healing if you have cut or bruises.
Having at least four or more of these symptoms requires further assessment with your doctor.
I have seen a lot of people with type 2 diabetes who may not realize they have it because symptoms often develop slowly and go unnoticed. Sometimes you will hear elderly people dismiss these symptoms as “ getting old,” but they can be signs of a serious
problem.
Let’s talk if you have any of these symptoms, please. Because having a good knowledge of a thing helps avert the consequences that may follow afterwards.
Tests for diabetes:
Proper investigation has proven to help identify conditions that require immediate treatment. Diabetes is one of such conditions.
Random blood sugar test:
is given at any time during the day and tells you the average level of glucose in the blood.
Fasting blood sugar test:
is taken after you have gone without food for at least eight hours.
Hb A1C test:
is given at any time during the day. This test shows your average glucose level for the past three months.
Other forms of test maybe required by your doctor. But note that at least twice testing must be done before any diagnosis is made.
In my next post, we will focus on type 2 diabetes management which is both lifestyle changes and medications. I will share life experiences of 15 years of success.
#RCEC#learningaboutdiabetes#elderlycare#elderlycareadvocate#rehobothcentreforelderlycare
Morayo Eboh is An experienced Nurse with over 15 years of practice in Emergency and General Nursing. Read more…