By Gary M. Pepper, M.D.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is important to get tested for diabetes if you experience frequent urination, increased thirst, unexplained weight loss, unusual fatigue, blurred vision, or tingling or numbness in hands or feet. If you have a family history of diabetes, are overweight, or have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you should also get tested regularly.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults with high blood pressure and those with high cholesterol or triglycerides be screened for diabetes regularly. The American Diabetes Association recommends that adults over the age of 45 get tested every three years. Pregnant women should be tested for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Testing for diabetes involves a simple blood test that measures your blood sugar levels. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to work with your healthcare provider to manage your condition and prevent complications.
If you think you may be at risk for diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested. Early detection and treatment can help prevent or manage the complications of diabetes.
