Diagnosis
The glycated haemoglobin (A1C) test is frequently used to determine type 2 diabetes. Your average blood sugar level over the previous two to three months is determined by this blood test. This is how the results are interpreted:
- Below on 5.7% is normal.
- 5.7% to 6.4% is considered as prediabetes.
- 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.
Random blood sugar test
Blood sugar values are expressed in Millimoles of sugar per litre (mmol/L) of blood or milligrammes of sugar per deciliter (mg/dL) .
Also Read : Top 10 Best treatment for diabetes type 1 and type 2
Fasting blood sugar test
This is how the results are interpreted After fasting for the previous night.
- Less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) = normal.
- 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) = prediabetes.
- 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher = diabetes
Oral glucose tolerance test
This test is used during pregnancy. You’ll have to skip breakfast the next day and drink a sweet beverage in the doctor’s office. After the two hours, blood sugar levels are checked at regular intervals. This is how the results are interpreted:
- Less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) = normal.
- 140 to 199 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L and 11.0 mmol/L) = prediabetes.
- 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher = diabetes.
Screening
All persons aged 35 and older, as well as the following groups, should undergo routine testing for type 2 diabetes with diagnostic tests:
- People younger than 35 who are overweight may have diabetes.
- Women may have gestational diabetes.
- People who have already been diagnosed with prediabetes
- Children who are overweight and who have a family history of type 2 diabetes or other risk factors
Treatment
Management of type 2 diabetes includes:
- Healthy eating
- Weight loss
- Regular exercise
- Blood sugar monitoring
- Possibly, diabetes medication or insulin therapy
Healthy eating
- A regular schedule for hralthy meals
- Smaller size bite
- More high-fiber foods, like fruits, green vegetables and whole grains
- Fewer refined grains, like starchy vegetables and sweets
- Modest servings of low-fat dairy, like low-fat meats and fish
- Healthy cooking oils, like olive oil or canola oil
- Fewer calories
Physical activity
Exercise is crucial for loosing weights or keeping a healthy body. It also helps in controlling blood sugar levels.
Aerobic exercise
Aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, biking or running. Adults should aim for 30 minutes or more. Children should have 60 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise daily.
Resistance exercise
Resistance exercise increases your strength, balance and ability to perform activities of daily life. It includes weightlifting, yoga and calisthenics.
Weight loss
Weight loss results in better control of blood sugar levels. The more weight you lose, the greater the benefit to your health and disease management.
Monitoring your blood sugar
You should keep a record of your measurements to share with your health care team.
Diabetes medications
If you can’t maintain your blood sugar level with diet and exercise, doctor can prescribe diabetes medications that help to lower insulin levels. Drug treatments for type 2 diabetes include the following medications.
Metformin
Metformin (Fortamet, Glumetza, others) is generally the first medication prescribed for type 2 diabetes by the WHO doctors.
Some possible side effects, which may seen over time are:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas help your body secrete more insulin. Possible side effects include:
- Low blood sugar
- Weight gain
Glinides
It stimulate the pancreas to secrete more insulin. Possible side effects include:
- Low blood sugar
- Weight gain
Thiazolidinediones
It make the body’s tissues more sensitive to insulin. Possible side effects include:
- Risk of congestive heart failure
- Risk of bladder cancer (pioglitazone)
- Risk of bone fractures
- High cholesterol (rosiglitazone)
- Weight gain
DPP-4 inhibitors
It help reduce blood sugar levels. Possible side effects include:
- Risk of pancreatitis
- Joint pain