Other risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:
Age — older than 45OverweightRace or ethnicity: Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific IslanderInactivitySmokingHistory of gestational diabetes, which happens during pregnancy
Excessive thirstExcessive urinationEating more than usualUnexplained weight lossFatigue despite sleeping an amount of time you would consider to be restfulBlurred visionSwollen or red gumsDry mouthTingling, burning, or numbness in your hands or feetConfusionIrritabilityWounds that heal slowly or not at all
FastingOne hour after ingesting the sugary drinkTwo hours after ingesting the sugary drinkSometimes three hours after ingesting the sugary drink
Normal blood sugar at two hours after testing is less than 140 mg/dL.Prediabetes (impaired glucose tolerance) is 140 to 199 mg/dL.Diabetes is 200 mg/dL or above.
Random Plasma Glucose Test
Still, it can indicate that you need additional testing or treatment if your blood sugar is at least 200 mg/dL. There are other classic symptoms of high blood sugar:
You’re urinating more than usual.You’re drinking more fluid than you normally do.You’ve lost weight when you didn’t mean to.
The best A1C is different for everyone with diabetes, but here are some general targets, per the ADA’s 2019 Standards of Care:
Less than 6.5 This may be an appropriate goal for younger patients, those who are at a low risk for bouts of hypoglycemia, and those who are not mixing too many medicines, among other individuals. It is also a goal for women who are trying to conceive or to reduce the risk of birth defects, excessive birth weight, preeclampsia, and other complications if they become pregnant.Less than 7 The ADA considers this a reasonable goal for many other nonpregnant adult women.Less than 7.5 This may be appropriate for older adults who are otherwise generally healthy with no other health complications.Less than 8.5 This may be appropriate for older adults with multiple other chronic illnesses and cognitive impairment.
Cardiovascular diseasePeriods of hypoglycemiaDiabetic neuropathy (nerve damage that results pain, abnormal sensations, or numbness, especially in the extremities)Foot and limb injuriesFoot and limb amputationsProblems regulating blood pressureDigestive disordersSexual dysfunctionDiabetic ulcersKidney disordersVision problems or blindnessSkin problemsProblems with teeth and gums
It’s really important to meet with a dietitian, especially one who specializes in prediabetes or diabetes, says Rettinger. They can help you understand how to best control your blood sugar but still enjoy the foods that you love. “Diet control is not about extreme avoidance of any sugars or carbs,” she says. “It’s usually about moderation and portion control.” Whether you receive a diabetes or prediabetes diagnosis, seek out support if you need it. That means asking for help from loved ones, getting emotional help from a professional, or joining a diabetes support group.
Additional reporting by Stephanie Bucklin and Ingrid Strauch. Check out Diabetes Daily’s article “10 Most Common Questions Answered After a Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis” for the need-to-know facts after a diagnosis.
