Are you at risk for Type 2 Diabetes? Let's find out in advance!

Today we are going to talk about a disease that is very common in our country and all over the world, and can be quite serious. That is diabetes. In particular, we are talking about Type 2 Diabetes. The biggest problem with this is that not everyone who has this disease knows about it. Surveys show that one in three people with diabetes do not know that they have this disease. Imagine how serious it is. The main reason for this is that there are no obvious symptoms in the early stages. So if we do not wait for the symptoms to appear, and if we check and recognize this early, we will have the opportunity to save ourselves from a lot of major complications that may arise in the future.

If diabetes is not controlled, chronic hyperglycemia can cause long-term damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels. In addition, people with undiagnosed diabetes are at significantly increased risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease.

So, who needs to be tested for diabetes?

This is a problem that many people have. As recommended by international organizations such as the American Diabetes Association, it is very important for everyone over the age of 45 to be tested for diabetes at least once every three years. This is especially important if you are overweight or obese.

However, if you have several of the risk factors we discuss below, it's best to get tested earlier, and perhaps more frequently (for example, every year), rather than waiting until age 45.

It is also recommended that adults with high blood pressure or high cholesterol be screened for diabetes, as these conditions are linked. Early detection and control of diabetes can reduce the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease.

What are the risk factors for developing diabetes?

"Am I at risk?" you may be wondering. Let's take a look at the main risk factors. If one or more of these apply to you, now is a good time to consider getting tested for diabetes.

What tests are used to check for diabetes?

Okay, now that you've decided you want to get tested, the next thing you need to know is what kind of tests are done. Two simple blood tests are mainly used to diagnose diabetes.

1. Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test: This is the most common test. For this, you have to fast for at least 8 hours without eating or drinking anything (just water is fine) and then give a blood sample. This measures the amount of sugar in your blood at that time.

2. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) test: This is also a blood test. But the special thing about this one is that it doesn't just measure your blood sugar levels on a single day, but rather your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months . You don't need to fast for this test.

Your doctor will advise you on which test is best for you and when to have it done.

What to do if the test result is 'Negative'?

If your test results come back negative for diabetes, that's great news. It means your blood sugar levels are currently within the normal range. But that's not all.

It's important to get tested again, as your doctor says, maybe every three years. Sometimes, even if your first test result is negative, your doctor may order more tests if they suspect you have diabetes or prediabetes based on your symptoms or other risk factors.

The best things for this are:

• Weight control: If you are overweight, try to lose weight.
• A healthy diet: Eat a diet low in oil, sugar, and flour, and high in vegetables and fruits.
• Daily exercise: It can be as simple as walking for at least 30 minutes a day.
• Blood pressure and cholesterol control: If you have these conditions, control them according to your doctor's instructions.

What if the test result is 'positive'?

Imagine that your test result came back as 'positive'. This means that your blood sugar level is higher than the level that is considered diabetes. At a time like this, don't panic at first. This is not the end of the world. What this really means is that now is a good time for you to think more about your health and take care of it.

Your doctor may need to run a few more tests to confirm the diagnosis 100%. If the diagnosis is confirmed, he or she will give you a clear plan to help you control your blood sugar levels and prevent the serious complications we discussed earlier. This may include medications, a special diet, daily exercise, and lifestyle changes . The most important thing is to follow your doctor's instructions exactly and attend your appointments on time.