Diabetes (elevated blood sugar)
About Diabetes (elevated blood sugar)
A chronic disease of metabolism distinguished by the body's inability to produce enough insulin, and/or a resistance to the insulin being made. Insulin is necessary for body cells to transport sugar into the cells and to process carbohydrates, fat, and protein efficiently. Patients with diabetes have too much glucose in their circulation causing damage to almost every organ in their body. There are three types of diabetes: Type 1 is usually found in younger patients and requires insulin, Type 2 develops later in life and is more commonly associated with obesity, and gestational diabetes is associated with pregnancy.Symptoms
Increased urination, increased drinking of fluids, increased appetite, nausea, fatigue, blurry vision, numbness or tingling in the feet..Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Glucose measurements are performed randomly and as a fasting level first thing in the morning. A hemoglobin A1C can measure the average glucose level over time. With very high glucose levels or high acid levels in the body, serum ketones and an arterial blood gas may be measured to rule out a serious complication called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).Common tests: Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA).
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Type 1 diabetes requires supplemental insulin either as an injection or as an intermittent continuous infusion delivered from an insulin pump. The insulin doses required are dependent on glucose measurements performed during the day. Type 2 diabetes times can often be controlled with weight loss, dietary discretion and exercise. Type 2 diabetes often requires oral hypoglycemic medications and may also require insulin. For more information contact National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov or (800)860-8747 American Diabetes Association: (800)342-2383Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism · Pediatric Endocrinology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Diabetes (elevated blood sugar).