Diabetes Mellitus Overview

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What is prediabetes?

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Prediabetes is an impaired glucose tolerance that increases an individual’s risk for developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Fasting blood glucose levels in prediabetes are above normal limits but not high enough to be considered diabetic.

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What is metabolic syndrome?

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Metabolic syndrome is a condition often a precursor to type 2 DM, affecting about 23% of Americans, closely related to insulin resistance. Diagnosis is based on the presence of at least three conditions: central obesity, elevated fasting blood glucose, hypertension, elevated triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, or antidiabetic medication.

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What are the screening recommendations for type 2 DM?

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Screening for type 2 DM should start at 45 years. A risk-based screening assessment and early interventions are recommended for adults and children older than 10 years or those at risk due to BMI or other factors.

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What is the hemoglobin A1c (HA1c) test?

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The HA1c test measures the average blood glucose levels over a 2- to 3-month period. It is used in the initial assessment for diabetes to evaluate the severity of disease and diagnose diabetes.

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What are the HA1c goals for diabetic patients?

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HA1c goals for diabetic patients include maintaining levels below 7%, but can be adjusted to less than 8% if the patient has a history of severe hypoglycemic events.

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What are the diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus based on blood glucose testing?

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Fasting blood glucose ≥126 mg/dL, 2-hr postprandial ≥200 mg/dL, Hemoglobin A1c ≥6.5%, or random blood glucose level ≥200 mg/dL with classic signs/symptoms of hyperglycemia.

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What is diabetes distress?

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Diabetes distress is a common negative reaction to the challenges of self-management of diabetes, causing feelings of anger, fear, frustration, guilt, or shame. Approximately 48% of diabetic adults experience it.

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What are common symptoms of diabetes?

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Common symptoms include increased thirst, increased appetite, frequent urination, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.