Make Ailing Kids Happy

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose). It is estimated that there are currently 3.3 million Filipinos who are diabetic but that this figure will rise to 7.8 million by 2030. In fact, many of these people do not even know they have the disease. Type 2 diabetes can be easy to ignore, especially in the early stages when you’re feeling fine and have no symptoms. But diabetes that remain untreated or isn’t controlled can affect almost every major organ in your body, including your heart, nerves, eyes and kidneys.

Recommended exams: Many people just learn they have type 2 diabetes after a blood test is done for another condition or as part of a routine physical exam. But to catch undetected cases of diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends that every adult have a fasting blood sugar test at 45. If your results are normal, the test can be repeated at three- to five-year intervals. However, more frequent testing may be recommended if you’re at high risk of diabetes because of obesity, a history of gestational diabetes, or a family history of the disease. If your results indicate you’re at increased risk for diabetes, it’s recommended that you have a fasting blood sugar test every year.

What’s involved: For a blood sugar test, blood is drawn from a vein in your arm and sent to a laboratory for analysis. This is usually done after you’ve fasted overnight or for at least eight hours. If your fasting blood sugar measures 126 mg/dL or higher, your doctor may recheck the test. If the results of the second test are the same, you likely will be diagnosed with diabetes (see table).

How to prepare: Don’t eat or drink anything except water for eight to 12 hours before the test. You also should avoid alcohol and high-sugar and high-fat foods the evening before the test.