If you suspect you are diabetic because of symptoms or previous test results, or because of family history, we encourage you to talk to your doctor about an A1C test. This is a blood test that gives your doctor a snapshot of your average blood sugar level over the past couple of months. It is used to diagnose diabetes or determine if you are prediabetic.
There are 2 different types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. According to the American Diabetes Association: “In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes—and it means that your body doesn’t use insulin properly.”
Debra Potts, our Housing Specialist, says, “It’s important to have your diabetes treated, as a result of not dealing with it, I am having complications with my vision and kidneys.” There can be great implications of not handling a diabetes diagnosis quickly, including negative effects on your vision; developing kidney or heart disease; and having poor circulation that can result in the loss of limbs.
Debra reminds all of us to “get tested and if you discover you have diabetes, follow your physicians’ directions – take your medication or insulin, eat properly, and exercise.”
Learn more at https://www.diabetes.org/a1c.
