Do You Need a Diabetes Screening?

January 13,2017

Wellness screenings help your physician determine your current state of health. Even though you may not have any of the signs or symptoms of a disease, a timely screening can allow for early detection and treatments that result in better outcomes. If you have a particular medical condition, screenings can provide your health care provider with a snapshot of how well your body is responding to medications and/or other types of treatments. When you have better control over an illness or disease, it lowers your risk of more serious complications. During the early stages of development, patients often feel perfectly healthy. So, health and wellness screenings can play an important role in keeping you active and healthy during all phases of life.

 

According to the American Diabetes Association, over 29 million men and women in our country have diabetes and another 86 million are living with prediabetes. Unfortunately, many pre-diabetics are unaware of their condition. This is where a diabetes screenings can help. Diabetes is a disease in which the body no longer produces enough insulin or is no longer able to use it effectively (insulin resistance). The simplest type of diabetes screening is a blood glucose test where your finger is pricked and the drop of blood is immediately analyzed. Free on-the-spot screenings are often offered at health fairs or pharmacies. However, to obtain an accurate screening, the process should be repeated after eight hours of fasting.

 

If your healthcare provider suspects Type 2 or prediabetes, a more precise screening may be ordered. This lab test is called an A1C and provides a broader picture of your blood glucose levels over the past couple of months. Most of the time, the results of a diabetes screening will fall within the normal range. However, if diabetes is detected, it can save your life by enabling you and your doctor to create a treatment plan before it is too late. When a pre-diabetic condition is identified in the early stages, it can often be treated with lifestyle modifications to diet and exercise. Frequent urination, unusual thirst, extreme fatigue, frequent infections and tingling or numbness in the hands and feet are some of the warning signs of diabetes.

 

To learn more about preventing and managing diabetes, book an appointment at any PrimeMed location. After a quick exam and review of your medical history, the doctor will go over the results of your blood glucose screening to determine whether additional testing is necessary.