How do you diagnose type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes occurs when there is too much glucose or glucose in the blood. Glucose is the primary source of energy. It comes from the food you eat. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose enter cells to provide energy. When you have diabetes, your body does not produce or use enough insulin. Then the sugar stays in your blood and doesn’t get enough into your cells.

Over time, high blood sugar can lead to health problems. But you can try to prevent it by taking steps to manage your diabetes.

What causes type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes may be caused by a combination of factors:

• Being overweight or having obesity
• Not being physically active
• Genetics and family history

Symptoms

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes usually develop gradually. In fact, you can live with type 2 diabetes for years without even knowing it. If symptoms occur, they may include:

• Increased thirst.
• Frequent urination.
• Increased hunger.
• Sudden weight loss.
• Fatigue..
• Blurry sight.
• Wounds heal slowly.
• Common infections.
• Shaking or shaking in the arms or legs
• Dark spots on the skin, usually on the arms and neck.

The times have changed now.

80% of people who come to me today do not have any symptoms. Most often, they wouldn’t know if they had diabetes unless they took a blood test.

What tests are used to diagnose diabetes?

Doctors use a variety of tests to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes. Your doctor may recommend different tests depending on whether you have symptoms or not or whether you are pregnant. Here are two of the most basic blood tests you can do to diagnose diabetes!

HbA1c

Calculates your average blood sugar levels over the last 3 months. You don’t need to fast for this test.

• You have diabetes if HbA1c is >6.4%.
• 5.7% to 6.4%: pre-diabetes

Fasting blood sugar

You need to fast (you can have water) for 8 hours before you take this test.

• You have diabetes if this is > 126 mg/dl.
• 100 to 126: prediabetes.

If diabetes is diagnosed within 5 years of its onset, you are in the best window to bring blood sugar under good control — sometimes back into the normal range — with diet, lifestyle and Ayurvedic support, alongside your doctor’s care. After 5 to 10 years, if untreated or undiagnosed, the body will start showing complications due to diabetes, eventually affecting the nerves, kidneys, eyes, etc. At this stage, diet and lifestyle can still improve blood sugar control significantly, but it takes more effort. Never stop diabetes medicines on your own.

The moral of the story
Early detection is key!

The earlier you diagnose diabetes, the earlier the treatment. the better and faster the results!