About 7.8 percent of the population or 23.6 million people in the Unitbouted States have diabetes, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Approximately 5 percent are undiagnosed diabetics. Diagnosing diabetes is important in preventing complications. Knowledge of a diabetic condition can lead the patient to participate in diabetic health procedures that could ultimately save a life.
Eye Exams
Every diabetic should have regular periodic eye exams to identify early damage. Because high blood sugar can damage the retina of the eye, it is important to see an eye doctor regularly. Damage to the retina happens slowly over time. High blood sugars damage the blood vessels of the retinal wall. The blood vessels become weak and rupture. Diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness. Diabetics are also subject to cataracts and glaucoma, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.
Foot Care
Diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage often occurs first in the feet. High blood sugars destroy nerves particularly the smaller nerves and the blood vessels that feed the nerves in the feet. According to Foot Health Facts.org, diabetics can lose the feeling in their feet and be unable to feel a cut or other injury to the foot. Something in the shoe can rub and create a blister that can become a non-healing wound due to poor circulation and neuropathy. Foot care recommendations are to inspect feet daily, wash feet in lukewarm water, wear socks always and cut nails straight across. Foot Health Facts recommends seeing a doctor or podiatrist for regular checkups. This could prevent serious complications and the need for potential amputations.
Hemoglobin A1C
A hemoglobin A1C is a blood test that tells the health care provider what the blood sugar has been like on average for approximately the last three months. According to the National Institutes of Health, a normal Hemoglobin A1C is 6 or less. Anything over 7 is an indication of poor glucose control. Diabetics should try to keep their Hemoglobin A1C 7 or less, according to the NIH recommendations. A Hemoglobin A1C that is 6.5 or more is a new criterion for diagnosing diabetes. The higher the Hemoglobin A1C the higher the risk is that the patient will have severe complications from diabetes. Poor wound healing, nerve damage, blood vessel damage and other complications can occur in diabetics with poor glucose control.
