What are the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes?

Unlike type 1 diabetes which produces symptoms that cannot be ignored, the symptoms of type 2 diabetes often develop gradually, may be vague in nature and often go unnoticed.

The most common symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes include:

* Increased fatigue
* Extreme hunger
* Excessive thirst
* Frequent urination (especially the need to get up during the night to pass urine)
* Blurred vision
* Irritability
* Weight loss
* Frequent infections (especially urinary tract infections, boils, and fungus infections)
* Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
* Slow healing of cuts and sores

Many people with type 2 diabetes don't know they have it. Others find out only by having a routine screening blood sugar performed. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends all adults have routine diabetes screening beginning at age 45, or younger if at high risk.

How is type 2 diabetes diagnosed?

Testing for type 2 diabetes involves drawing blood samples and measuring the glucose (sugar) levels within the blood. Testing may be done when symptoms suggest the presence of diabetes or as a screening exam to detect unrecognized diabetes. Tests for diagnosing type 2 diabetes include:

Random blood glucose

In a random glucose test, a sample of blood can be obtained and tested at any time. According to the ADA, a random glucose level of greater than 200 mg/dL is indicative of diabetes when associated with typical symptoms of diabetes.

Fasting plasma glucose test

During a fasting plasma glucose test, a sample of blood is obtained following a period of not eating or drinking (except water) for at least eight hours. Blood is usually drawn before breakfast. According to the ADA, a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or greater on two occasions means diabetes. A fasting blood glucose between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL is considered pre-diabetes. The fasting blood glucose test is the most common test used to diagnose diabetes.

Oral glucose tolerance test

During an oral glucose tolerance test, a fasting blood sugar is obtained initially. The person is then asked to drink a sweet sugary beverage. Blood glucose levels are then measured every 30 minutes for the next two hours. A blood glucose level below 140 mg/dL at two hours is considered normal. A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or greater at two hours is indicative of diabetes. A blood glucose level of 140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL at two hours indicates impaired glucose tolerance (also called pre-diabetes). These people should be monitored and screened regularly for diabetes.

Urine glucose

Once the blood glucose level rises above 180 mg/dL, glucose begins to spill over into the urine. This test does not diagnose diabetes, but if there is sugar in the urine, a blood glucose test should be performed.

Urine ketones

Ketones are in urine when the body breaks down excessive amounts of fat for energy. Ketones indicate there is not enough insulin present to prevent the mobilization of fat. The presence of large amounts of ketones can indicate a serious and potentially lethal complication of diabetes.

Glycosylated hemoglobin

This blood test is not used to diagnose diabetes, but rather to give information about how well blood glucose is being controlled. It is a blood test that can be taken at any time and gives your doctor important information to determine how much insulin you need or how your diet should be altered to keep your diabetes under the best possible control.

June 2007
HealthAtoZ.com
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