× Blood Glucose Testing and Type 2 Diabetes?

Image Caption: Blood Glucose Testing : The pancreas produces several enzymes that play roles in digestion. The body's ability to use glucose depends on the hormone insulin, which is also produced by the pancreas. With diabetes, however, the body loses its ability to respond to or produce insulin. In chronic pancreatitis, as the pancreas becomes scarred, many people develop diabetes or the inability to digest foods, especially fats, which can result in malnutrition and weight loss.

Glucose Test

Our bodies and brains run on glucose. Our ability to use glucose as a source of energy depends on the hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas. Levels of insulin and glucose in the blood must be maintained in careful balance. Chronic conditions of too much or too little glucose in the bloodstream can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and blood vessels.

Why Test for Glucose?

Glucose provides energy for cells throughout the body. This simple sugar is produced through the digestion of carbohydrates (even complex carbohydrates, such as those in whole grains, must be broken down into simpler components). The body's ability to use glucose depends on the hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas. Blood levels of glucose rise after meals, but insulin keeps glucose levels within a narrow range; excess glucose is stored in the liver as glycogen, a chain of glucose molecules, to be used when food is not available or when extra energy is needed.

Demographics

Diabetes affects about 25 million people in the U.S. (more than a quarter of them undiagnosed). Diabetes was the 7th leading cause of death based on U.S. death certificates, but is believed to be widely underreported. It is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults, the leading cause of kidney failure, and the leading cause of lower-limb amputations not caused by trauma. About 60-70% of people with diabetes have some degree of nervous system damage. Incidence rates range from 7% of white Americans to 33% of some Native American populations.

Diabetes Type 2

Also called: Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes means your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. With type 2 diabetes, the more common type, your body does not make or use insulin well. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose get into your cells to give them energy. Without insulin, too much glucose stays in your blood. Over time, high blood glucose can lead to serious problems with your heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves, and gums and teeth.

You have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes if you are older, obese, have a family history of diabetes, or do not exercise. Having prediabetes also increases your risk. Prediabetes means that your blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes.

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes appear slowly. Some people do not notice symptoms at all. The symptoms can include

Being very thirsty

Urinating often

Feeling very hungry or tired

Losing weight without trying

Having sores that heal slowly

Having blurry eyesight

A blood test can show if you have diabetes. Many people can manage their diabetes through healthy eating, physical activity, and blood glucose testing. Some people also need to take diabetes medicines.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring

Self evaluation of whole blood glucose levels outside the clinical laboratory. A digital or battery-operated reflectance meter may be used. It has wide application in controlling unstable insulin-dependent diabetes.

National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine

Blood Sugar

Also called: Blood glucose

Blood sugar, or glucose, is the main sugar found in your blood. It comes from the food you eat, and is your body's main source of energy. Your blood carries glucose to all of your body's cells to use for energy.

Diabetes is a disease in which your blood sugar levels are too high. Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause serious problems. Even if you don't have diabetes, sometimes you may have problems with blood sugar that is too low or too high. Keeping a regular schedule of eating, activity, and taking any medicines you need can help.

If you do have diabetes, it is very important to keep your blood sugar numbers in your target range. You may need to check your blood sugar several times each day. Your health care provider will also do a blood test called an A1C. It checks your average blood sugar level over the past three months. If your blood sugar is too high, you may need to take medicines and/or follow a special diet.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases