Diabetes Screening and Treatment

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin (the hormone that converts food into energy). There are several types of diabetes, the most common of which is type 2. In fact, about 95% of people with diabetes have type 2.

Did you know…

In 2012, 29.1 million Americans, or 9.3% of the population, had diabetes. Of the 29.1 million, 8.1 million were undiagnosed. Diabetes is a chronic disease that can cause many serious complications such as eye disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage that can lead to amputation. Having diabetes significantly increases your risk of stroke and heart disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risk factors?

Family history
Race and ethnicity (African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, American Indians, and Alaska Natives are at an increased risk)
Gestational diabetes (diabetes occurring during pregnancy), or delivering a baby weighing nine pounds or more at birth
Being overweight
Physical inactivity
Low HDL “good” cholesterol
High triglycerides
High blood pressure
Abnormal fasting glucose screening results

What are the warning signs?

Most people with type 2 diabetes live with it for years without realizing that they have it. Many learn they have diabetes only after it causes one of its complications, such as heart disease, stroke, eye damage, nerve damage, and kidney disease. However, these are symptoms some people experience:

Frequent urination
Unusual thirst
Extreme hunger
Unusual weight loss
Extreme fatigue
Irritability
Frequent infections
Blurred vision
Cuts or bruises that are slow to heal
Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
Recurring skin, gum or bladder infections

How is Type 2 diabetes diagnosed?

A quick and easy finger-stick screening that measures blood sugar levels following eight hours of fasting; our Blood Glucose test helps identify diabetes

How is Type 2 Diabetes Treated?

Depending on the severity of the disease Type 2 diabetes can be treated with diet and exercise. Other cases may require medication such as pills or insulin.