Is diabetes testing right for you?

Nearly 28% of adults with diabetes have not been diagnosed, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report. Plus, the number of adults with prediabetes, a precursor to type 2 diabetes, now affects 2 in 5 adults, and most people don’t know they have it.

These numbers are especially concerning given the damage untreated diabetes can do to major organs and blood vessels. That’s why diabetes testing is more important than ever.

Who is a candidate for diabetes testing?

“Testing should be considered if an adult is considered overweight or obese and has one or more risk factors,” says Dr. Ruchita Patel, an endocrinologist at Advocate Health Care. “People with prediabetes should be tested yearly, and people who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes should have testing every one to three years.”

Health care providers typically don’t screen for diabetes in adults who are overweight until they are 35 years old. Screening may be considered earlier if you have certain risk factors, including:

• A first-degree relative, such as a mother or father, with diabetes
• A history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, low HDL cholesterol levels or polycystic ovary syndrome

Because diabetes develops gradually, there are often no obvious symptoms at first. This is why many people go undiagnosed. These challenges make early testing crucial, especially for those more likely to develop the disease.

“Diabetes is a silent disease,” Dr. Patel adds. “Several of the symptoms are often ignored until it’s too late. Awareness is key.”

The good news is that testing involves a simple blood draw to check your A1C and blood glucose levels.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

The most common symptoms are:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst and hunger
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Cuts or bruises that heal slowly

Weight loss is also a sign of type 1 diabetes, and tingling in the hands and feet is common in type 2 diabetes.

How to reduce your risk

If you are at risk of developing diabetes, it’s important to lower your blood sugar by focusing on weight loss and moderate exercise.

“Research shows that you can lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% if you lose 7% of your body weight and do moderate exercise for 30 minutes five days a week,” Dr. Patel says.

The best moderate exercise is the one that gets your heart rate up and helps you stay consistent. Brisk walking, cycling, swimming or dancing are all good choices.

Want to learn more about your risk for diabetes? Take a free online quiz.