How do I know if I am at risk for diabetes?

Diabetes is a disorder of glucose metabolism. It is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, whether it presents as type I, type II, or gestational diabetes (during pregnancy); all have as a common factor the elevation of blood sugar levels.

It is important to recognize the first alerts and have annual medical check-ups. Among the most common symptoms are

1. Excessive thirst
2. Excessive urination
3. Excessive appetite
4. Weight loss
5. Spots on the neck, armpit, knuckles, etc.

There are multiple risk factors that can generate the appearance of this disease. Among them are overweight or obesity, family history, bad lifestyles, high levels of stress, and sedentary lifestyle.

Likewise, dyslipidemia (increased cholesterol levels in the blood), hypertension, and gestational diabetes can contribute to the development of this condition.

"The bad thing about this condition is that it does not present symptoms; and if it does, they are irreversible", explained Dr.Laura Ulate, specialist in Endocrinology.

There are measurements that can be taken at various times of the day, as follows:

• Healthy person: less than 100 mg/dl on an empty stomach.
• Diabetic patient: more than 140 mg/dl on an empty stomach and more than 200 mg/dl before taking the treatment.
• Pre-diabetic person: between 100 and 125 mg/dl in fasting

However, to know the patient's condition, three months in advance, a blood test called glycosylated hemoglobin is needed.

"Where healthy people should mark less than 5.6; diabetics should register 6.5, and pre-diabetics (at high risk of diabetes) a figure between 5.6 and 6.4, provided they are not receiving any treatment," Ulate detailed.

See video: