Diabetes
Diabetes is a common, manageable condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, which can affect individuals of all ages. It arises when the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. The most prevalent form of diabetes is Type 2, where the body either resists the effects of insulin or doesn't produce enough, often developing in adults but also occurring in children. Other forms include Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease leading to the destruction of insulin-producing cells, prediabetes, gestational diabetes, and other less common types like Type 3c and MODY.
Symptoms of diabetes can range from increased thirst and frequent urination to unexplained weight loss and blurred vision, varying in intensity across the different types.
Causes include insulin resistance, autoimmune responses, genetic mutations, and hormonal imbalances, with complications potentially involving heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney failure among others.
Diagnosis involves blood glucose tests, with management strategies including blood sugar monitoring, medications, insulin therapy, diet, and exercise.
While Type 1 diabetes and some other forms are not preventable, lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
The prognosis depends on several factors, including management effectiveness and access to care, with consistent care and lifestyle adjustments being crucial for living a healthy life with diabetes.
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Biomarkers related to this condition:
If you’ve recently had lab tests and noticed the Diabetes Risk Index (DRI) on your results, you might be wondering what it means. This test is designed to assess your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects how your
Learn moreIf you’ve recently had lab tests and noticed the Diabetes Risk Index (DRI) on your results, you might be wondering what it means. This test is designed to assess your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects how your
Learn moreGlycated Hb (HbA1c)
Glycated hemoglobin, commonly known as HbA1c, is a form of hemoglobin that is chemically linked to glucose. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that normally carries oxygen throughout your body. When glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream attache
Learn moreThe marker "Insulin, Free (Bioactive)" refers to a test that measures the level of unbound, bioactive insulin in the blood. This measurement is particularly useful for understanding the concentration of insulin that is actively available in
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