Finding Out if You Have Diabetes – Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Risk Factors

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

Identifying the signs early can make a difference in the patient’s management and quality of life. In this article, we will explore how to know if you have diabetes, the initial symptoms, risk factors, and tests needed for an accurate diagnosis.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease characterized by high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. This occurs due to insufficient production or use of the hormone insulin, which regulates glucose. There are three main types:

• Type 1 diabetes: An autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells.
• Type 2 diabetes: Generally associated with lifestyle, such as obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.
• Gestational diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears after delivery.

Main Symptoms of Diabetes

Signs can vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms include:

1. Excessive Thirst and Dry Mouth: You feel a constant need to drink water.
2. Frequent urination: Mainly at night.
3. Excessive Hunger: Even after eating.
4. Unexplained Weight Loss: Despite eating normally.
5. Constant Fatigue: Lack of energy throughout the day.
6. Blurred Vision: Difficulty seeing clearly.
7. Common Infections: Especially on the skin, gums and urinary tract.
8. Wounds that Take a Long Time to Heal: An important warning sign.

These symptoms, when persistent, indicate the need to see a doctor to investigate the possibility of diabetes.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the chances of developing diabetes, such as:

• Family history of diabetes.
• Age over 45 years.
• Overweight or obesity.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• High blood pressure or high cholesterol levels.
• Previous gestational diabetes.
• Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

If you have any of these factors, it is essential to have regular checkups to monitor your health.

How to Confirm the Diagnosis?

Confirming diabetes involves specific blood tests, which may be requested by a doctor. The main tests include:

1. Fasting Blood Glucose: Measures blood sugar levels after 8 hours without eating.
2. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures the body's response to sugar after ingesting a sugary solution.
3. Glycated Hemoglobin (A1c): Assesses average glucose levels over the last 2 to 3 months.
4. Random Blood Glucose Test: Useful in cases of immediate suspicion.

Reference values for diagnosis may vary, but fasting glucose levels greater than 126 mg/dL or glycated hemoglobin above 6.5% indicate diabetes.

Diabetes Prevention and Control

While type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, type 2 diabetes can be prevented with lifestyle changes. Some actions include:

• Maintain a balanced diet: Choose foods rich in fiber and avoid sugars and refined carbohydrates.
• Practice physical exercise regularly: At least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
• Monitor your weight: Staying within your ideal weight significantly reduces risks.
• Medical monitoring: Have regular check-ups to monitor glucose and other health markers.

When to Seek Medical Help?

If you are experiencing symptoms suggestive of diabetes or have significant risk factors, do not delay seeing a doctor. Diagnosing and treating diabetes early can help prevent serious complications, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and vision problems.

Personal Analysis

Knowing whether you have diabetes starts with paying attention to your body's signs and getting medical care. Regular checkups, combined with healthy habits, are essential for early diagnosis and preventing complications. If you have any doubts about your health, see a doctor and get the necessary tests done.

References

1. Ministry of Health. Available at: gov.br. Accessed on December 1, 2024.
2. Brazilian Diabetes Society. Available at: diabetes.org.br. Accessed on December 1, 2024.
3. Mayo Clinic. Available at: mayoclinic.org. Accessed on December 1, 2024.