Blood Testing
Diabetes Screen
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Normally, your body breaks down food into glucose (a type of sugar) and releases it into the bloodstream. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps move glucose from the blood into your cells for energy. In diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can't use it properly, leading to high blood sugar levels.
There are two main types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes: A condition where the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It’s typically diagnosed in children and young adults and requires insulin therapy for life.
Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form, where the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or the cells become resistant to it. It often develops in adulthood and can be managed with lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes insulin.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Common symptoms of diabetes include:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Extreme fatigue or tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds or infections
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Causes Of Diabetes
The exact cause of diabetes can vary, but several factors can increase the risk, such as:
· Genetics: Family history of diabetes can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
· Lifestyle: A poor diet, lack of physical activity, and being overweight are significant risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
· Age: The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age, particularly after 45.
· Hormonal changes: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can increase the risk of developing diabetes
Diagnosis
Diabetes is diagnosed with blood tests, including:
· Fasting blood sugar test (Plasma Glucose): Measures your blood glucose after fasting for at least 8 hours.
· Oral glucose tolerance test (Plasma Glucose): A test that measures blood sugar after drinking a sugary solution.
· Haemoglobin A1c test: Shows your average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months.
Our diabetes screen tests for:
- Plasma Glucose
- Glycated Haemoglobin
A diagnosis is confirmed if your blood sugar levels are consistently high.
Book your appointment with M&D Green today and let our expert pharmacists support you in managing your health!
