If your physician determines that you are showing symptoms of diabetes, they will perform a Oral Glucose Tolerance Test to test your blood for appropriate glucose levels. After fasting (not eating) for at least 12 hours, your blood sugar will be measured for a baseline result. Next, you will drink some type of beverage that includes sugar, and your blood sugar levels will be monitored over several hours to determine how your body processes it.
Gestational Diabetes is usually detected with a routine blood test during pregnancy.
If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you will be referred to an Endocrinologist, a physician that treats illnesses related to hormones.
Unfortunately, if your diabetes is not managed properly, it can cause secondary health issues, including venous insufficiency (when your veins don’t transport blood as well as they are supposed to, causing a lack of blood flow). If this is the case, you will be referred to a Vascular Specialist. If left untreated, and your limbs don’t get circulation, tissue will begin to degrade and you could require toe, foot, or even leg amputation.
The American Diabetes Association states that:
“About 60% of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations among people aged 20 years or older occur in people with diagnosed diabetes”
Although this is a harrowing statistic, it’s important to note that amputation CAN be avoided with proper vascular interventions. If you are experiencing ulcers, or sores that won’t heal, contact us today and avoid amputation.