Diabetes Rate Climbing

There seems to be an upsurge of people receiving the HbA1C test which could indicate the existence of diabetes, according to current figures from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

The latest report indicates that 26 million Americans have diabetes. This is an increase of two million people since the last reporting in 2008. Also indicated is another 79 million people have pre-diabetes, which is characterized by insulin resistance, which eventually results in full blown diabetes. These two conditions combined now affect over 46 percent of the adult populace.

What makes this even more dire is 27 percent of people are unaware they have the condition, according to CDC estimates. This is very alarming due to the dangers. When diabetes is not treated it can result in constant high blood sugar levels, which raises the risks for major complications such as retinopathy, gangrene and cardiovascular disease.

The future for Americans is looking bleak and showing no signs of relief in the near future. The latest CDC estimates indicate that by 2050 one third of all American adults will have diabetes. Officials are recommending that all Americans improve their diet and get exercise to aide in prevention.

Warning Signs

Type 2 diabetes may not have any warning signs. One third of all people who have type 2 are not even aware they have the condition. So it is vital to talk to your health care practitioner about your risks and if you should be tested.

Most usual signs:

Increased thirst and hunger(especially after eating)

Dry mount

Frequent urination or urine infections

Weight loss that is not explained

Fatigue, blurred vision and headaches

Diabetic coma (loss of consciousness)

Tests

The following are used to diagnose diabetes:

FPG (fasting plasma glucose) measures blood glucose in a person who has not consumed any food for eight hours. It can detect diabetes and pre-diabetes.

OGGT (oral glucose tolerance test) measures blood glucose in person who has not consumed any food for eight hours and two hours after person ingests a glucose laced beverage. It can detect diabetes and pre-diabetes.

Random plasma glucose test measures blood glucose in person without having to fast at all. It can detect diabetes only.

Should you test?

The American Diabetes Association recommends testing in all adults without symptoms for type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes in those who are overweight or obese and have one or more additional risk factors. The Body Mass Index online can tell you where you current weight is at.

Risk factors:

Adults 45 and older should consider testing. Those younger than 45 should test if they overweight, obese, extremely obese or have one or more of the following:

Physically inactive

Parent or sibling with diabetes

Having a family heritage background of African American, Alaska Native, Native American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino or Pacific Islander

Have given birth to baby weighing more than nine pounds or diagnosed with gestational diabetes

Have high blood pressure (140/90 or higher) or receiving treatment for high blood pressure.

Have a HDL (good cholesterol level) below 35mg/dL or triglyceride level higher than 250mg/dL

Have PCOS(polycystic ovary syndrome)

History of cardiovascular disease

Having IFG or IGT on past testing

Have Acanthosis nigricans, a condition characterized by a dark, velvety rash around neck or armpits.
Sources:

Private MD Labs

Medicine Net