MAIN TYPES OF DIABETES

Type 2 Diabetes: Excluding all causes of hyperglycemia and type 1 diabetes, This a condition associated with resistance to action of insulin followed by impairment of more than 50% pancreatic b-cells function thus leading to insulin deficiency.

Gestational diabetes : This develops in pregnant women who have never had diabetes. If you have gestational diabetes, your baby could be at higher risk for health problems. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after your baby is born. However, it increases your risk for type 2 diabetes later in life. Your baby is more likely to have obesity as a child or teen and develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

Pre-diabetes: This type is the stage before Type 2 diabetes. Your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be officially diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

OTHER FORMS OF DIABETES

1. Drug induced diabetes due to drugs like glucocorticoids, thiozides andphentoin

2. Diabetes associated with genetic syndoms ie downs sydrome, cushn syndrome

3. Pancretic diaseases ie pancretitis, cystic fibrsis, and heamochrotosis

• Individuals who have overweight or obesity.

• Individuals who are 45 years of age or older.

• Individuals with first-degree relatives with diabetes (such as parents, children, or siblings).

• People who developed diabetes while they were pregnant or gave birth to large babies (9 pounds or more).

• Individuals with high blood pressure (140/90 or higher).

• Individuals with high-density lipoprotein (HDL, the "good cholesterol level") below 25 mg/dl or triglyceride levels at or above 250 mg/dl.

• Individuals who have impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance.

• Individuals who are physically inactive; engaging in exercise less than three times a week.

• Individuals who have polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS.

Fasting Blood Sugar Test

This measures your blood sugar after an overnight fast (not eating). A fasting blood sugar level of 99 mg/dL or lower is normal, 100 to 125 mg/dL indicates you have prediabetes, and 126 mg/dL or higher indicates you have diabetes.

Glucose Tolerance Test

This measures your blood sugar before and after you drink a liquid that contains glucose. You’ll fast (not eat) overnight before the test and have your blood drawn to determine your fasting blood sugar level. Then you’ll drink the liquid and have your blood sugar level checked 1 hour, 2 hours, and possibly 3 hours afterward. At 2 hours, a blood sugar level of 140 mg/dL or lower is considered normal, 140 to 199 mg/dL indicates you have prediabetes, and 200 mg/dL or higher indicates you have diabetes.

HBA1C Test

The test measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2 or 3 months. An A1C below 5.7% is normal, between 5.7 and 6.4% indicates you have prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher indicates you have diabetes.

Random Blood Sugar Test

This measures your blood sugar at the time you’re tested. You can take this test at any time and don’t need to fast (not eat) first. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or indicates you have diabetes.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

This measures your blood sugar at the time you’re tested. You’ll drink a liquid that contains glucose, and then 1 hour later your blood will be drawn to check your blood sugar level. A normal result is 140 mg/dL or lower. If your level is higher than 140 mg/dL, you’ll need to take a glucose tolerance test.

CHRONIC COMPLICATIONS

• Eye problems (retinopathy): Some people with diabetes develop an eye disease called diabetic retinopathy which can affect their eyesight. If retinopathy is picked up – usually from an eye screening test - it can be treated and sight loss prevented.

• Foot problems: Diabetes foot problems are serious and can lead to amputation if untreated. Nerve damage can affect the feeling in your feet and raised blood sugar can damage the circulation, making it slower for sores and cuts to heal. That’s why it’s important to tell your GP if you notice any change in how your feet look or feel.

• Heart attack and stroke: When you have diabetes, high blood sugar for a period of time can damage your blood vessels. This can sometimes lead to heart attacks and strokes.

• Kidney problems (nephropathy): Diabetes can cause damage to your kidneys over a long period of time making it harder to clear extra fluid and waste from your body. This is caused by high blood sugar levels and high blood pressure. It is known as diabetic nephropathy or kidney disease.

• Nerve damage (neuropathy): Some people with diabetes may develop nerve damage caused by complications of high blood sugar levels. This can make it harder for the nerves to carry messages between the brain and every part of our body so it can affect how we see, hear, feel and move.

ACUTE COMPLICATIONS

• Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State (HHS)– a life-threatening emergency that only happens in people with type 2 diabetes. It’s brought on by severe dehydration and very high blood sugars.

• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) – a life-threatening emergency where the lack of insulin and high blood sugars leads to a build-up of ketones.