Signs of Diabetes (Elevated blood sugar)

Description

A chronic disease of metabolism distinguished by the body’s inability to produce enough insulin, and/or a resistance to the insulin being made. Insulin is necessary for body cells to transport sugars to the cells and in order to process carbohydrates, fat, and protein efficiently. Patients with diabetes have too much glucose in their circulation causing damage to almost every organ in their body. There are three types of diabetes: Type 1 is usually found in younger patients and requires insulin, Type 2 develops later in life and is more commonly associated with obesity, and gestational diabetes is associated with pregnancy.

Symptoms

Increased urination, increased drinking of fluids, increased appetite, nausea, fatigue, blurry vision.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Glucose measurements are performed randomly and as a fasting level first thing in the morning. A hemoglobin A1C can measure the success of controlling the glucose level over time. With high glucose levels serum ketones and the an arterial blood gas will be measured to rule out diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Standard Workup

Chem 12
UA

Treatment

Type 1 diabetes requires supplemental insulin either as an injection or as an intermittent continuous infusion delivered from an insulin pump. The insulin doses required are dependent on glucose measurements done during the day. Type 2 diabetes many times can be controlled with weight loss, dietary discretion and exercise. At times Type 2 diabetes requires oral hypoglycemic medications and rarely insulin. For more information contact National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov or (800)860-8747 American Diabetes Association: (800)342-2383