Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is more commonly referred to simply as diabetes. It occurs as type 1 (juvenile or insulin-dependent) diabetes and type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes, which is sometimes associated with insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas in response to blood sugar levels. When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, the blood glucose levels increase, a condition called hyperglycemia, which can cause damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels.

Type 1 diabetes is a life-long condition requiring insulin injections, and is likely due to genetic factors. Type 2 diabetes can usually be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle that maintains a normal blood sugar level and weight, including exercise, though a genetic component is also thought to be present. Type 2 diabetics require treatment depending on their exact manifestation of the disease, sometimes insulin or other pharmaceuticals.

Image: Insulin pen

Blood Sugar Measurement

Current blood sugar, or glucose, levels are measured easily by simply pricking the finger and collecting a drop of blood on a special testing strip. A glucose meter reads the strip in a few seconds to determing the concentration of glucose. Each meter has its own specific instructions for the use of the strips and meter. Basically though, you want to make sure that the area is clean and dry prior to pricking (alcohol swabs are often used). Some new meters also avoid the fingertips and take blood from the arm in a similar process. If you have eaten in the few hours before testing, the level will be slightly higher, but still within a normal range.

Clinics can take larger blood samples from a vein in the crook of the arm to look at the average daily blood sugar levels over the past 60-90 days using the A1C test as well as confirm the curent blood sugar level found with the meter.

Diabetes is diagnosed if a person has a fasting blood glucose level >125 mg/dL or random test level >200 mg/dL on two occasions. Normal fasting levels are considered to be 80-120 mg/dL. Lower levels can indicate hypoglycemia, a dangerous condition.