How can diabetes detected

In babies and young children, the first indication of Type 1 diabetes may be a yeast infection that causes a severe diaper rash that's far worse than the common red, puffy and tender skin rash. In young children and infants, lethargy, dehydration and abdominal pain also may indicate Type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be detected easily during a routine screening exam and blood test. However, it frequently can go undiagnosed for years unless a physician draws a blood sample to check the blood glucose.

In the early stages of Type 2 diabetes, you experience few to no noticeable signs of the disease. As time goes by and the untreated blood glucose continues to rise, symptoms begin. If you're over 40 or have parents or siblings with diabetes, be sure to have your blood glucose checked routinely.

Much of the time, a simple blood test that evaluates your current blood glucose level is the first step in diagnosing diabetes. Or your doctor may immediately order an A1C test, which measures your average blood glucose sugar levels over the last three months. The test looks at the amount of glucose that has attached to the red blood cells as they move through the bloodstream.

HHNS may be more likely if you have an infection, are not taking medicines as prescribed, or take certain steroids or drugs that cause frequent urination. Diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when a lack of insulin results in the body breaking down fat for fuel rather than sugar.

This results in a buildup of acids called ketones in the bloodstream. Triggers of diabetic ketoacidosis include certain illnesses, pregnancy, trauma and medications — including the diabetes medications called SGLT2 inhibitors.

Although diabetic ketoacidosis is usually less severe in type 2 diabetes, the toxicity of the acids can be life-threatening. In addition to the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as frequent urination and increased thirst, ketoacidosis may result in:.

Low blood sugar. If your blood sugar level drops below your target range, it's known as low blood sugar hypoglycemia. Your blood sugar level can drop for many reasons, including skipping a meal, unintentionally taking more medication than usual or being more physical activity than usual. If you have signs or symptoms of low blood sugar, drink or eat something that will quickly raise your blood sugar level — fruit juice, glucose tablets, hard candy or another source of sugar.

Retest your blood in 15 minutes. If levels are not at your target, repeat the sugar intake. Eat a meal after levels return to normal. If you lose consciousness, you will need to be given an emergency injection of glucagon, a hormone that stimulates the release of sugar into the blood.

Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Careful management of type 2 diabetes can reduce your risk of serious — even life-threatening — complications. Consider these tips:.

Many alternative medicine treatments claim to help people living with diabetes. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, studies haven't provided enough evidence to recommend any alternative therapies for blood sugar management. Research has shown the following results about popular supplements for type 2 diabetes:. Talk to your doctor before starting a dietary supplement or natural remedy.

Do not replace your prescribed diabetes medication with alternative medicines. Type 2 diabetes is a serious disease, and following your diabetes treatment plan takes round-the-clock commitment. To meet the demands of diabetes management, you may need a good support network. Anxiety and depression are common in people living with diabetes.

Talking to a counselor or therapist may help you cope with the lifestyle changes or stressors that come with a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Support groups can be good sources of diabetes education, emotional support, and helpful information, such as how to find local resources or where to find carbohydrate counts for a favorite restaurant. If you're interested, your health care provider may be able to recommend a group in your area.

You can visit the American Diabetes Association website to check out local activities and support groups for people living with type 2 diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association also offers online information and online forums where you can chat with others who are living with diabetes. Keeping your annual wellness visits enables your health care provider to screen for diabetes and to monitor and treat conditions that increase your risk of diabetes — such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a high BMI. If you are seeing your health care provider because of symptoms that may be related to diabetes, you can prepare for your appointment by being ready to answer the following questions:.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, your health care provider will begin a treatment plan. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in hormonal disorders endocrinologist. Your care team may also include the following specialists:.

Talk to your health care provider about referrals to other specialists who will be providing care. Before any appointment with a member of your treatment team, make sure you know whether there are any restrictions, such as fasting before taking a test. Questions that you should regularly review with your doctor or other members of the team include:. Your provider is likely to ask you a number of questions at regularly scheduled appointments, including:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed using the glycated hemoglobin A1C test. Results are interpreted as follows: Below 5. More Information A1C test Glucose tolerance test. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Caffeine: Does it affect blood sugar? Share on: Facebook Twitter. Diabetes Care. Diabetes mellitus.

Merck Manual Professional Version. Accessed Dec. Melmed S, et al. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. Elsevier; To find out if you have type 2 diabetes, you usually have to go through the following steps: See a GP about your symptoms. The GP will check your urine and arrange a blood test to check your blood sugar levels.

It usually takes about 1 to 2 days for the results to come back. If you have diabetes, the GP will explain the test results and what will happen next. If you're diagnosed with diabetes What the GP will discuss with you during your appointment depends on the diagnosis and the treatment they recommend.