Blood glucose testing can help healthcare providers identify a number of diseases and conditions where blood sugar levels are not normal. This can include both high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) readings. Diabetes is a medical problem where your body causes blood sugar levels to rise too high. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29.1 million people in the United States have diabetes, 8.1 million of who have not been diagnosed and are unaware of their condition. Prediabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. As a critical warning sign of developing Type 2 Diabetes, our Orlando doctor uses blood glucose testing for screenings, monitoring lifestyle changes and medication management.
Since people with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes don’t have a normal insulin response, blood glucose testing and hemoglobin A1C testing play an important role in helping patients and providers manage conditions at all stages. Common tell-tale symptoms to watch for include:
- Blurry Vision
- Cuts or Bruises Slow to Heal
- Extreme Fatigue
- Feeling Very Hungry
- Feeling Very Thirsty
- Frequent Urination
- Pain in the Extremities
- Numbness in the Hands & Feet
- Tingling in the Hands & Feet
- Unexplained Weight Loss
At Delta IMC, your Internist may use several types of blood glucose testing in diagnosing, screening, monitoring and managing your health and wellness. A glucose tolerance test is often performed during pregnancy if gestational diabetes is suspected. Results from hemoglobin A1C tests provide a two-month snapshot of blood sugar levels and the traditional finger-prick blood glucose testing is essential in monitoring and medication management.
Identifying diabetes or pre-diabetic conditions can be a lifesaver. Keeping blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible can prevent or slow complications. To learn more, schedule an appointment for a wellness exam and discuss your concerns with a board-certified physician.