Diabetes Screening/Treatment Jacksonville, Orange Park
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood sugar as a result of defects in insulin secretion and/or the body's effective use of insulin (or insulin action). Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form of the disease and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age, a lack of physical activity or obesity. Unfortunately, this form of the disease can go undiagnosed for years but it is more common in individuals with a family history of diabetes and members of certain ethnic groups. In recent years, there has been a growing concern as the incidence of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents has been shown to be on the rise.
Strictly speaking, there is a major distinction between diagnostic testing and diabetes screening. The true purpose of a screening is to identify asymptomatic individuals who are most likely to have the disease. Whenever an individual actually displays symptoms of diabetes, the appropriate healthcare official will prescribe other diagnostic tests to be performed. In other words, a doctor will use various diagnostic tests to establish a definitive diagnosis after a positive diabetes screening. Some of these routine tests, such as an A1C blood test, can be used to monitor the patient's ability to manage their blood sugar levels over a period time. This can be useful in determining which diabetes treatment works best and whether the dosage needs to be increased or lowered.
All pregnant women should be screened for gestational diabetes during their pregnancy using the oral glucose tolerance test. It is common for patients to develop this form of diabetes during a particular phase of pregnancy and most women are able to control their blood sugar level through eating healthy and regular exercise, such as walking. If needed, these interventions can be supplemented with man-made insulin without harm to the baby. Currently, the success of mass screenings is still being studied but the ADA does recommend that all adults older than 45 years should be considered for diabetes screenings by their health care provider every 3 years.
NOTE: Routine screenings, an up-to-date medical history and annual checkups are important for the early detection of serious health issues like diabetes. Don't take chances with your health. Visit us today for your diabetes screening.
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