Symptoms

High blood levels of glucose can cause several problems, including:

• Blurry vision
• Excessive thirst
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Hunger
• Weight loss

However, because type 2 diabetes develops slowly, some people with high blood sugar experience no symptoms at all.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes:

• Fatigue
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss in spite of increased appetite

Patients with type 1 diabetes usually develop symptoms over a short period of time. The condition is often diagnosed in an emergency setting.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes:

• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Increased appetite
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination

Exams and tests
 
A urine analysis may be used to look for glucose and ketones from the breakdown of fat. However, a urine test alone does not diagnose diabetes.

The following blood tests are used to diagnose diabetes:

• Fasting blood glucose level: diabetes is diagnosed if higher than 126 mg/dL on two occasions. Levels between 100 and 126 mg/dL are referred to as impaired fasting glucose or prediabetes. These levels are considered to be risk factors for type 2 diabetes and its complications.
• Hemoglobin A1c test: this test has been used in the past to help patients monitor how well they are controlling their blood glucose levels. In 2010, the American Diabetes Association recommended that the test be used as another option for diagnosing diabetes and identifying pre-diabetes. Levels indicate:
  • Normal: Less than 5.7%
  • Pre-diabetes: Between 5.7% - 6.4%
  • Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
• Oral glucose tolerance test: diabetes is diagnosed if glucose level is higher than 200 mg/dL after 2 hours. (This test is used more for type 2 diabetes.)
• Random (non-fasting) blood glucose level: diabetes is suspected if higher than 200 mg/dL and accompanied by the classic diabetes symptoms of increased thirst, urination, and fatigue. (This test must be confirmed with a fasting blood glucose test.)

Persons with diabetes need to have their hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level checked every 3 - 6 months. The HbA1c is a measure of average blood glucose during the previous 2 - 3 months and is helpful in determining how well treatment is working.

It’s also important to have your cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked each year (aim for LDL levels below 100 mg/dL).

We’re here to help
Please give us a call at (262) 785-2235. We’re happy to answer any questions you have or to schedule an appointment with one of our diabetes specialists.