Diabetes prevention and testing

As seen on The Doctors

There are over 57 million Americans at risk for pre-diabetes, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. Pre-diabetics suffer from high blood sugar levels, but the amount of glucose is not severe enough to be considered diabetes. Symptoms can be very subtle for pre-diabetes, which is why it often goes undetected and untreated.

Type 1 diabetes, which is also called juvenile diabetes because it often occurs in childhood, is a result of the pancreas being damaged and rendered unable to produce insulin needed to process sugar. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can include:

• frequent urination
• excessive thirst
• unusual or unexpected weight loss

Type 2 diabetes develops over time, more often in adulthood, and also results in sugar not being processed in the body. Though the body is still producing insulin, it is less responsive to the effects of the insulin, which leads to higher blood glucose levels. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

• frequent infections
• tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
• unusual blurred vision

Screenings are important for early detection and even prevention in the case of pre-diabetes patients.

MinuteClinic offers blood glucose screenings that provide results in only a few minutes during your visit. Adults 45 and older should be screened every three years, unless they are at an increased risk for diabetes due to obesity or having a diabetic family member. In this case, they would require more frequent screenings.

Featuring MinuteClinic nurse practitioner Kellie Kell
(original airdate: 6/15/10)

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Education

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