subject: The World Of Diabetes Type II [print this page] Author: Larry Aviva Author: Larry Aviva
Diabetes is one of those lifelong illnesses that have affected a number of people whose main casue have eluded scientists and doctors for quite some time. Diabetes comes in two forms Diabetes Insipidus, or Type I Diabetes, and Diabetes Mellitus, or Type II Diabetes. Between the two, it is the latter that is more prevalent. These two types of diabetes are also referred to as Insulin dependent Diabetes and Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes, respectively.
People suffering from Type II Diabetes are most often still able to produce insulin. The problem, however, lies in the amount being produced by the body. There are also times when the body develops a resistance to insulin that a greater amount is required in order for the person to be able to breakdown glucose, as well as instances where the produced insulin is suboptimal.
A definite diagnosis of Type II Diabetes can be obtained with the help of different blood glucose level tests, one of which is the fasting blood glucose test. This type is easy to perform. It requires the patient to undergo an 8-hour fasting period after which blood is draw for laboratory analysis. A fasting plasma glucose level of more than 126 mg/dL on two or more tests is highly suggestive of a Diabetes Type II.
Another test that you can undergo if you suspect that you have diabetes is the oral glucose tolerance test. In this test, the patient fasts overnight for about 8 to 16 hours after which a fasting plasma glucose test is conducted. The patient is then given 75 grams of glucose. With the use of various glucose meters such as Bayers Contour Blood Glucose Monitoring System, blood is drawn at regular intervals and the glucose level analyzed. In this test, the patient is required to undergo a diet of high carbohydrates at least three days before the testing.
One of the ways by which people suffering from Type II Diabetes can control their situation is by ensuring that they undergo regular home testing. This allows them to check whether their blood sugar level is still within normal range and whether they need to make any adjustments with their medications or diet. Home testing with the use of glucometers like the Bayer Contour Meter is usually done before and after meals as well as before bedtime.
Most glucometers come in a complete set consisting of the meter, test strips like the Bayer Ascensia Contour test strips, lancing device, and lancets. A comprehensive guide on how to draw blood is usually included in the package.About the Author:
