DIABETES TESTING

Regular blood glucose testing by people with diabetes is important to help control it, and also prevent long-term complications. Good control of blood glucose levels can prevent or reduce serious complications.

Frequent testing can show how changes in diet, exercise, medications or weight are having an effect on a patient’s diabetes.

Close monitoring of blood glucose levels allows control and timely intervention to prevent diabetic complications.

Why is testing important for diabetic patients?

Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels (blood glucose) gives valuable information as to whether the level is within the normal range.

If kept in control, this can delay the onset or development of long term diabetic complications, which can even be life-threatening.

People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes can monitor their blood sugar themselves, by using thumb prick blood tests which are available as home kits. Self-monitoring is very important for long-term health.

What are the routine tests that are followed?

Regular self testing, recording of blood glucose levels by thumb prick blood tests, laboratory test of HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) level a few times a year should be taken.

Other tests that should be performed routinely include: urine test to monitor kidney function; blood fat levels (cholesterol & triglyceride levels), and tests for kidney function.

Regular blood pressure measurement and treatment if needed.

Examination of the feet is also necessary, as the patient may not be aware of loss of sensation from early nerve damage.

Also, get eyes tested every 1 to 2 years, depending on test results.

How is diabetes and pre-diabetes diagnosed?

The following test are the normal tests whoich are used for diagnosis:

1. Fasting plasma glucose test –

This measures the blood glucose with a minimum gap of at least 8 hours without eating. It is best done on an empty stomach in the morning. This test is used to detect diabetes or pre-diabetes.

If a person’s fasting glucose level is 100 to 125 mg/dL, you have a form of pre-diabetes called impaired fasting glucose (IFG), meaning that one is quite likely to develop type 2 diabetes but does not have it yet.

A level of 126 mg/dL or above, confirmed by repeating the test on another day, means that one is diabetic.

99 mg/dL and below – normal, not diabetic

100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL – pre diabetic

126 mg/dL and above – diabetic.

2. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) –

This measures the blood glucose after one has not eaten for least 8 hours, and then 2 hours after drinking 75 grams glucose-containing beverage. This test is used to diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes.

This test is more sensitive than the fasting plasma glucose test for diagnosing pre-diabetes.

If 2 hours after drinking the liquid, the blood glucose level of a person is between 140 and 199 mg/dL, then it a form of pre-diabetes called impaired glucose tolerance or IGT, meaning that one is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes but does not have it yet.

Glucose level of 200 mg/dL or above, confirmed by repeating the test on another day, means that one has diabetes.

139 mg/dL and below – not diabetic, normal

140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL – pre diabetes

200 mg/dL and above – diabetic

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed based on plasma glucose values measured during the OGTT. Blood glucose levels are checked four times during the test. If the blood glucose levels are above normal at least twice during the test, then the person has gestational diabetes.

3. Random plasma glucose test –

This measures blood glucose without regard to when you ate your last meal. This test, along with an assessment of symptoms, is used to diagnose diabetes, but not pre-diabetes.

A random blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or more, alongwith presence of the following symptoms, can suggest that one has diabetes:

· increased urination

· increased thirst

· unexplained weight loss

Other associated symptoms include fatigue, blurred vision, increased appetite, and sores that do not heal.

Test results are confirmed only after repeating the fasting plasma glucose test or the oral glucose tolerance test on a different day.

What is HbA1c or the glycosylated haemoglobin test?

HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) gets collected in red blood cells when they are produced. This gives a clue about the blood sugar levels over a couple of months – the average lifespan of a red blood cell. Thus, this test shows the average blood glucose level over time, as compared to the thumb prick test, which indicates blood glucose at the time of testing.

If the HbA1c level is above 7%, consult a doctor for a better diabetes management plan.

If the HbA1c level is above 8%, the doctor may change medication or a more intensive insulin regime be used.

The combination of HbA1c test and thumb prick test results give a better indication of variations in blood glucose levels than either test alone.

How often should blood sugar testing be done?

Diabetic patients who are taking insulin injections should self test 3-4 times everyday, especially before retiring to bed. Type 2 diabetic patients on medicines should self test around a few times every week.

It is best to check glucose levels first thing in the morning; and before and after meals. Keep changing daily test times to get a better idea of the changes to blood glucose levels.

For diabetes information, diabetes diet, diabetes treatment, diabetes causes visit www.diabetesmellitus-information.com

Quick weight loss is not impossible but if you are thinking that it happens instantly without any effort on your part, you are seriously misled or living in delusion. If you are willing to observe and stick with a proper plan, together with steps and quick weight loss tips I will reveal in this article, you will find yourself ready for some fast weight loss. Are you ready to lose weight starting from today?

Weight loss and diet programs come and go. Some are just the fad of today, and people chase after them without fully understanding if they would work for them. Of course, there are some long-standing ones which do work such as the Atkins and Cambridge Diets. However, over-relying on a special diet program is not for everyone due to our different genetic make-up. There could be adverse side-effects that could surface and result in long-term health problems.

Weight loss is a lifestyle than a physical act. Letâ??s take a closer look at why most people fail in their weight loss attempts. Survey results showed that the majority failed due to the lack of proper preparation. To be more specific, their will and motivation to lose weight are not strong enough and they give up easily each time a weight loss program does not work for them. Many others give in fast to temptations of personal indulgence like food, snacks and the like. Still there are some who simple find it too tough to work out physically. Unless you take your weight loss seriously, there is a high chance that you will throw in the towel after a while.

Assuming you are serious about losing weight, you then qualify as a good candidate to apply those quick weight loss tips shared here. Losing weight successfully requires your mindset to be fixated on your quick weight loss plan and goal, no matter which route you have chosen. Plans do work but only if we work on them. Ask yourself what are the reasons for you wanting to lose weight. Make sure they are motivating enough. Think of the worst case scenario should you fail; the ugly stares at your fat tummy, not feeling confident when approaching the girl/guy you wish to date? The purpose of this whole exercise is to condition your thinking. Ok, once you have found the strong reasons to lose weight, you are one step ahead of many others.

Now, we will look at 3 practical quick weight loss tips:

1. Be Prepared to Put in Effort

Your fat does not melt while you are sleeping or dreaming about it. You need to do something about it. We live in a world where everything seems to be ideal in the media. The movies we watch feature only beautiful ladies with excellent figures, handsome looking men with nice abs, and so on. TV commercials flash nice advertisements with a famous celebrity endorsing some slimming pills that touts itself as the â??Diet Pill of the Centuryâ? and thatâ??s how they got their svelte figures. Frankly, these are gimmicks playing on your fears and anxiety. The celebrities or models you see already have great figures before they shoot the advertisements. Everyone wants a wonder pill that helps them to lose weight instantly without any effort. That is why people would not hesitate to try these diet pills and supplements. Unfortunately, most donâ??t work.

2. Be Focused in Your Weight Loss Goal

Quick weight loss can be achieved if you can stick with your exercise regime and dietary plans. It may take some time but it will happen. Stay focused on your goal, and keep reminding yourself on the motivating factors of your weight loss when you are starting to feel disappointed. It is important to share your goal with close friends and family members or even join a support group. Their constant encouragement would spur you on to fulfill your weight loss dream. No man is an island. Remember to put this quick weight loss tip into practice.

3. Have Fun in Your Weight Loss Exercises

Many folks fail to realize that weight loss can be an enjoyable experience. It requires deliberate but simple effort to inject fun. People have shared that they hated weight loss because they have to sacrifice their time with their TVs, their computer games, and give up on their favorite foods, and so on. Weight loss seems to have a negative connotation. If you are burning your calories, why not engage in games that you love? Like playing a game of tennis, or take a plunge in the pool and have a relaxing swim? For people who donâ??t like physical sports, they can go for brisk walking. Take a nice stroll with your loved ones. You wouldnâ??t even realize that you are exercising.

I hope these preparatory quick weight loss tips are beneficial to you. Find out what are the 10 easy weight loss tips that you can follow straightaway to lose weight fast in my blog.

This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any ezine, newsletter, blog or website. The author’s name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.

From the moment we start to become sexually active, we start to put ourselves at risk from sexually transmitted diseases. Indeed, the only way to be 100% safe from STDs and sexually transmitted infections is by abstaining from sex. However, people who are sexually active can help to protect their sexual health by ensuring that they use condoms for all kinds of sexual activity. In addition to this, taking regular STD and STI tests, particularly between different sexual partners, can also help to safeguard your health.

STDs & sexually transmitted infections are infections or diseases that are transmitted via via sexual contact, including vaginal intercourse, oral sex, & anal sex. However, a handful of STDs & sexually transmitted infections can also be transmitted via needles after an infected person has used them, as well as through childbirth or breastfeeding.

There’s a wide variety of sexually transmitted diseases that can place us at risk and we want to use this STD and STI guide to tell you a little more about them. We’ll include tips on how you can protect yourself from them, as well as information on obtaining treatment. Please do not use this guide to sexual health as a substitute for visiting your doctor or sexual health centre. If you have got any concerns about any part of your sexual health, make sure you go to one of these places immediately.

Different Types of STD and STI

You can discover more about the vast range of STDs & sexually transmitted infections below, because we’ve listed lots of handy info about a number of the most widespread.

Warts are an extremely widespread STI. They are caused by the human papilloma virus, which can be passed on during sexual contact. However, not every HPV sufferer goes on to develop warts. Many sufferers find that the virus will clear from the body over time. It’s rare for warts to be the cause of any long-term health issues.

Gonorrhoea is a really common sexually transmitted disease, which is due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae virus. In addition to the genitals, the virus also thrives in the rectum, throat & the eyes. Infected women can also pass gonorrhoea to their babies during birth and this can give babies eye infections & eventually cause blindness. Gonorrhoea can usually be well treated with antibiotics, which can be obtained from your doctor.

What to Do

If you think you may have an STD or sexually transmitted infection, there’s many sexual health clinics that’ll be able to give you tests & offer treatment. To discover where your nearest clinic is, simply contact your nearest health authority who will be happy to assist you.