How to know if you have diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that affects how your body uses sugar. Normally, your body uses a hormone called insulin to turn food into energy. But if your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly, sugar builds up in your blood. This can lead to serious health problems.
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes: Usually starts in kids or teens. Your body attacks the cells that make insulin.
- Type 2 Diabetes: More common, often starts in adults. Your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it well.
If you have diabetes, it’s important to manage it well by eating healthy, exercising, and taking medication as prescribed by your doctor.
How to know if you have diabetes
Signs You Might Have Diabetes:
If you’re feeling any of these things, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor:
- Peeing a lot: You might find yourself running to the bathroom more often, especially at night.
- Always thirsty: You might feel really thirsty, even if you drink a lot of water.
- Starving: You might feel hungry all the time, even after eating.
- Losing weight: You might lose weight without trying, especially if you have type 1 diabetes.
- Blurry vision: High blood sugar can make it hard to see clearly.
- Slow-healing cuts: Cuts and sores might take longer to heal.
- Feeling tired: You might feel tired all the time, even after getting enough sleep.
- Numbness or tingling: This can happen in your hands and feet.
Getting Checked:
Your doctor might do a blood test to check your blood sugar levels. There are two main tests:
- A1C test: This test shows your average blood sugar level over the past few months.
- Fasting blood sugar test: This test measures your blood sugar level after you haven’t eaten for at least 8 hours.
How can I test myself for diabetes?
You can’t really test yourself for diabetes at home. Even though you can buy blood sugar meters at the store, those are mostly for people who already have diabetes and need to check their blood sugar levels.
The best way to know if you have diabetes is to see a doctor. They can do special tests to check your blood sugar levels and give you a diagnosis.
If you’re feeling really thirsty, peeing a lot, losing weight for no reason, or have blurry vision, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
What is normal blood sugar by age?
Here’s a general idea of what normal blood sugar levels look like:
For adults and kids 13 and older:
- Before eating: Between 70 and 100 mg/dL
- After eating: Less than 140 mg/dL
For kids 6-12 years old:
- Before eating: Between 70 and 100 mg/dL
- After eating: Less than 180 mg/dL
For kids under 6 years old:
- Before eating: Between 70 and 100 mg/dL
- After eating: Less than 180 mg/dL
Remember, these are just general numbers. Everyone’s blood sugar levels can be a little different. If you’re worried about your blood sugar, it’s always best to talk to a doctor.
How to prevent diabetes?
You can’t always control if you get diabetes, but you can do a lot to lower your risk, especially for type 2 diabetes. Here are some tips:
- Watch your weight: Being overweight or obese can make you more likely to get diabetes. Aim for a healthy weight and stay active.
- Eat healthy: Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit sugary drinks, processed foods, and unhealthy fats.
- Get moving: Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
- Manage stress: Stress can affect your health. Try relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.
- See your doctor: Regular check-ups can help catch diabetes early.
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