Please be sure you have read Part 1 so this makes sense.
What to do if you are diagnosed with early onset diabetes or borderline diabetes?
As mentioned previously, there are screening tests, fasting glucose and hgbA1-c. If the A1C is between 5.7% -6.4%, you are considered borderline. The glucose will be in the 100-125 mg/dl range. Again, the hgbA1-C is an average of three months of your blood glucose, not just what you ate last night.
There are not always clear symptoms of diabetes in the early stages. I think most people are so busy they don't take the time to notice the subtle symptoms outlined in Part 1. But when a Health Care Provider tells you that you are borderline, listen to them. This is your chance to take control.
What if your blood sugar is over 126? You are clearly diabetic, probably in the early stages, but nevertheless, very important to pay attention. It can progress rapidly unless taken seriously.
With these two scenarios, what is next? A full panel of blood work will be done to check your lipids, ldl, hdl and triglycerides. Urinalysis will be done to assess your kidneys, etc. The urine is done to assess if you are spilling protein in your urine. If you are, a 24 hour urine test will be done. If not, the urine will still be checked every three months to check for protein, infection, glucose, etc. It is important to schedule an appointment every three months to see your HCP for follow up.
Hopefully a lifestyle evaluation is done with your HCP at that time. Do you smoke, if so quit. Do you exercise, if not, start. It is recommended that people at least walk 150 minutes per week. What is your waist measurement? Not over 35 inches for a woman, for a man 40 inches.. Do you have high blood pressure? Is your cholesterol panel good? Ideally the hdl should be at least 45, hopefully higher. It is your good cholesterol.
Your ldl should be less than 100. the triglycerides should be under 150 mgm.
Other concerns:
Did you have a baby over 9 lbs or pregnancy related diabetes, gestational.
What is your body mass index? Under 25 is ideal.
Your blood pressure less than 140/90, lower if you are high risk for cardiovascular disease.
What is your stress like on scale of 1-10? Ideally under 3. Do you drink alcohol? It turns to sugar so not advised.
As you can see, there is a lot to know about diabetes type 2.
I think it will take 2 more articles to make sure we cover what is necessary.
Please read and absorb this. Diabetes is a serious disease with consequences if not managed correctly.
Tuesday, Nov 12, Part 3
*American Diabetic Association