Diabetes Screening: Your First Step to Healthy Living

India is home to one of the largest diabetic populations. In fact, it is also called the diabetic capital of the world. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to handle glucose for its energy requirements. It often results from defective insulin secretion, insulin action or both. 

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is not a single disease entity, but a group of metabolic disorders sharing the common underlying feature of hyperglycemia. The chronic hyperglycemia is associated with complications such as dysfunction of organs including heart and blood vessels, eyes and kidneys. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious consequences to every part of the body if not looked into properly.

What are the types of diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus can be divided into two parts, based on how they are treated/managed. 

Type 1 Diabetes: It is an autoimmune disease that prevents the pancreas from making insulin. As we know, insulin helps blood sugar enter the cells in your body for use as energy, and without insulin, blood sugar can't get into cells and builds up in the bloodstream. This form of diabetes is most commonly found among patients.

Type 2 Diabetes: In this case, the body does not use insulin properly. This condition is known as insulin resistance. At first, the pancreas produces extra insulin to compensate, but over time, it fails to produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal. This type is more common in India, affecting people above 40 years of age. However, the good part is that it could be managed with diet and other lifestyle changes. However, some patients may require insulin later in life. 

Gestational diabetes: This form of diabetes develops during pregnancy. It occurs when the hormones from the placenta block the ability to use or make insulin. The screening usually happens between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Symptoms

Some of the very common symptoms that indicate that you may have diabetes include: 

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Excessive thirst and dry mouth
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling unusually tired or weak
• Blurred vision
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet 
• Extremely dry skin
• Sores that heal slowly
• Prone to recurring infections

Diagnosis

There are some simple medical tests that are designed to detect the presence of diabetes or pre-diabetes in a person, even when no symptoms are apparent. These tests help identify individuals who are at the very early stages of the disease so that preventive action could be taken at the right time. 

HbA1c Test: This test measures the average amount of blood glucose in the past 90 days.

Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS): It checks blood sugar levels after fasting for at least 8 hours.

Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS): It looks at blood sugar after a meal.

Random Blood Sugar Test: It measures blood sugar at any time without the need for fasting.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): It checks how well the body processes sugar over a few hours.

Why is early screening important?

The biggest challenge with diabetes is that it develops, often without any symptoms. Many people may live with prediabetes for years without realising it. They only get to know about this condition when they start experiencing complications such as damage to blood vessels, nerves, or organs. Nerve damage can lead to amputation (removal by surgery) of a toe, foot, or leg. All of this can sharply reduce the quality of life.

An early diagnosis is far less expensive and less burdensome if diabetes is controlled in its early stages. In the later stages, it requires hospitalisation and complex treatment. Once a patient gets all the relevant details regarding their health, they become empowered to make informed lifestyle decisions. 

Who should get screened?

While diabetes can affect anyone, certain groups are at higher risk and should consider regular screening:

• Individuals with a family history of diabetes
• Overweight or obese individuals
• People aged 45 and above
• Sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical activity
• Women with a history of gestational diabetes
• Patients with high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels
• People with a history of heart disease

How often should you screen?

The frequency of blood sugar testing will depend on several factors such as the overall health of an individual, family history of diabetes, stress levels, and medications. In case the blood glucose is not within the target range or other abnormalities are detected, the test must be repeated every 3 months or as recommended by your physician. 

Disclaimer: For personalised advice and further information, always consult your physician or qualified healthcare professional.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554615/

https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/diagnosis