Diabetes is a disease that eliminates or reduces the body’s capacity to make energy from glucose. It’s also referred to as diabetes mellitus. As per the CDC, nearly 11 percent of adults in the United States have diabetes. That’s roughly 37 million people!
There are 2 types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or the body doesn’t utilize insulin properly. Kids and teenagers can also have type 2 diabetes, which is usually diagnosed in adults.
Let’s take a detailed look at type 2 diabetes, its symptoms, causes, and more.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Symptoms of diabetes develop slowly and can include:
- Increased thirst
- Increased hunger
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Numbness in hands and feet
- Blurred vision
- Frequent infections
- Skin discoloration, usually in the armpits and the neck
Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
Several reasons can contribute to a person developing type 2 diabetes. These include:
- Being overweight
- Having kidney problems
- Having hypertension
- Having a family history of diabetes
- Having heart problems
- Having mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc
- Having HIV or Aids
- Having prediabetes
Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes
There are several tests doctors perform to diagnose diabetes. These tests include:
Glycated Hemoglobin or A1C Test
A glycated hemoglobin test determines a person’s blood sugar levels from the past 3 months. Diabetes is diagnosed if the blood sugar level is above 6.5%. You’ll be diagnosed with prediabetes if it’s between 6% and 6.5%.
Glucose Plasma Test (Fasting)
This type of test is done after fasting for 12 hours. Your doctor will check your blood sugar levels after fasting. If your plasma glucose level exceeds 7.9 mmol/L, you’ll be diagnosed with diabetes.
Glucose Plasma Test (Without Fasting)
A glucose plasma test without fasting is also done for people who can’t fast for 12 hours for any reason. If the glucose plasma levels exceed 11.1 mmol/L in this test, the doctor will diagnose diabetes.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above and want to consult a doctor, there’s no need to get up and visit a physical clinic. FastDocNow provides telemedicine services in Atlanta.
Our virtual doctors can consult you online for type 2 diabetes, suggest the relevant tests, and make a treatment plan for you accordingly. We also provide virtual medical consultation for STDs, asthma and yeast infection treatment and have in-home lab testing available. Contact us now for more information.