Diabetes mellitus is being detected more frequently in today's society, and it can affect both children and adults. Causation between age groups may vary, yet it is a serious disease that requires constant care. Contracting Type 1 diabetes, also known as "childhood onset," will display symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, and clamminess or sweatiness. This affliction becomes apparent when the pancreas, an organ that secretes insulin into the body, ceases to function. Insulin is a hormone that, when distributed efficiently, regulates glucose levels. When the pancreas no longer works properly, diabetes occurs.
A Diabetic specialist or endocrinologist will run a blood test to determine average blood sugar levels over the previous 2 to 3 months. This test is called "A1C hemoglobin," and it will help determine if the patient has Type I or Type II diabetes. Type I requires insulin injections and Type II can be dealt with a few different ways, depending upon severity. Often times, oral medication is prescribed, yet in some rare cases it can be eradicated by diet and exercise.
Either way, the patient will need to obtain a glucose monitor and use it regularly until the condition is manageable. Checking blood sugar levels on a daily basis will take some getting used to, yet performing this task regularly can help save the patient from suffering adverse effects from the disease. Neglect is not an option; testing 3 to 4 times daily is recommended.
Most monitors require a small drop of blood from the fingertip or the inside of the forearm. The sample is then applied to a test strip that is inserted into the monitor itself, and within 5 seconds, a number will appear. An average healthy reading will range from 80 to 130 mg/dl (milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood). Results will often vary; most physicians will concur that staying within these guidelines can promote better overall health, yet consulting with a diabetic specialist is the best advice. A trained physician will be able to show the patient a variety of glucose monitors that use different sized lithium batteries. The test strips vary in size as well, and they are only compatible with the same brand of meter. Written records of the daily results should be kept. Most glucose monitors will come with a miniature log book, which can help both doctor and patient when it is time for the next visit.
A Diabetic specialist or endocrinologist will run a blood test to determine average blood sugar levels over the previous 2 to 3 months. This test is called "A1C hemoglobin," and it will help determine if the patient has Type I or Type II diabetes. Type I requires insulin injections and Type II can be dealt with a few different ways, depending upon severity. Often times, oral medication is prescribed, yet in some rare cases it can be eradicated by diet and exercise.
Either way, the patient will need to obtain a glucose monitor and use it regularly until the condition is manageable. Checking blood sugar levels on a daily basis will take some getting used to, yet performing this task regularly can help save the patient from suffering adverse effects from the disease. Neglect is not an option; testing 3 to 4 times daily is recommended.
Most monitors require a small drop of blood from the fingertip or the inside of the forearm. The sample is then applied to a test strip that is inserted into the monitor itself, and within 5 seconds, a number will appear. An average healthy reading will range from 80 to 130 mg/dl (milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood). Results will often vary; most physicians will concur that staying within these guidelines can promote better overall health, yet consulting with a diabetic specialist is the best advice. A trained physician will be able to show the patient a variety of glucose monitors that use different sized lithium batteries. The test strips vary in size as well, and they are only compatible with the same brand of meter. Written records of the daily results should be kept. Most glucose monitors will come with a miniature log book, which can help both doctor and patient when it is time for the next visit.
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