Diagnosing Diabetes - What you don’t know can hurt you. - Monica Doerr, MD

According to recent statistics, approximately eight million people in the US have diabetes and don’t know it. And the unfortunate reality of this situation is that not knowing doesn’t protect a person from the damage this disease can cause. It is crucial that patients who have risk factors or are experiencing symptoms seek a diagnosis and begin treatment for many reasons. Men with diabetes have double the risk for heart attack, and women with the disease have four times the risk than those without diabetes. Diabetes can cause blindness and kidney failure. It is also the prevalent reason, besides trauma, for amputation of the feet or portions of the legs. And yet, the severity of diabetes is routinely underestimated, often by the people who are at most risk.

Anyone with a family history of diabetes, or who is overweight, should have their blood sugar checked at least annually. According to the American Diabetes Association if a patient’s fasting blood sugar count is over 126 on two separate days, they are diagnosed with the disease. Among the associated symptoms are fatigue, increased urination and thirst, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing and in women, frequent vaginal yeast infections. The incidence of diabetes increases with age, and certain ethnic groups such as African Americans and Hispanic Americans are statistically more likely to develop diabetes.

The good news is that once diabetes has been diagnosed the disease can be effectively managed with the appropriate treatment. Ninety percent of diabetes patients are diagnosed with Type 2, which means their body does produce insulin, but it isn’t able to keep the sugar level normal. With Type 1, which is common in younger patients, the body is no longer capable of making insulin.

Treatment for Type 2 diabetes focuses on lifestyle changes. Patients follow a diet that limits their intake of fat and cholesterol and combines carbohydrates, protein and fat to minimize the impact on their blood sugar. They are also encouraged to avoid concentrated liquid forms of sugar including soda, sweetened tea and fruit juices. Increased physical activity is prescribed for diabetes patients, especially those who do not follow a regular exercise program. There are several new oral medications that help control the disease. Many patients can be well managed without insulin. It is recommended that a patient consult with their physician regarding the oral medication options available to them. Finally, a key to successfully treating diabetes is regularly scheduled physician visits for monitoring progress and supporting management behaviors.

Diabetes is a very serious disease that is widely under-diagnosed. However, with awareness of its risk factors and symptoms, and a proactive approach to treatment, patients can control the disease and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

Monica E. Doerr, MD is an endocrinologist practicing at Cornerstone Medical Specialties and High Point Regional Health Systems Diabetes Self Care Management Center.