Overview
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels. Over time, it leads to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Blood glucose plays an important role in the body, fueling most cells including the brain, muscles, and internal organs. However, abnormally high or low blood glucose leads to serious health problems.
Diabetes screening
Blood tests help doctors assess many aspects of your health, such as the function of internal organs and the blood count. The hemoglobin A1c test (HbA1c) reflects the amount of blood glucose bound to hemoglobin over the past 3 months (the average lifespan of a red blood cell). It is used to detect and monitor the treatment of diabetes in adults; for this test, the patient does not need to fast before the blood draw. People with diabetes have a high risk of developing serious health problems affecting the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves, and teeth, and are more prone to infections. Type 2 diabetes is the more common form; however, it can be controlled and even reversed through methods such as adopting a healthy diet, exercising, and managing weight.