Question

Discuss the symptoms and laboratory investigations required to be done to diagnose diabetes.

Hint:

Recognizing symptoms early and undergoing proper blood tests helps in timely diagnosis and management of diabetes.

Answer 1

Symptoms of Diabetes:
Diabetes often manifests through several common symptoms due to high blood sugar levels affecting the body's metabolism:

• Polyuria: Excessive urination as the kidneys filter out extra glucose.
• Polydipsia: Increased thirst caused by fluid loss through urine.
• Polyphagia: Increased hunger because cells are not receiving enough glucose for energy.
• Unexplained weight loss: Despite normal or increased appetite, weight loss occurs due to the body breaking down fat and muscle.
• Fatigue: Lack of energy due to inefficient glucose utilization.
• Blurred vision: High glucose levels affect the lens of the eye.
• Slow healing of wounds and frequent infections: Due to impaired immune function.

Laboratory Investigations for Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of diabetes is confirmed through blood tests that measure glucose levels under different conditions:

• Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS): Measures blood glucose after an overnight fast (8-12 hours). A value of \(\geq 126 \text{ mg/dL}\) on two separate occasions indicates diabetes.
• Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS): Blood glucose measured 2 hours after eating. A level of \(\geq 200 \text{ mg/dL}\) indicates diabetes.
• Random Blood Sugar (RBS): Blood glucose measured at any time, with symptoms present, a level of \(\geq 200 \text{ mg/dL}\) suggests diabetes.
• Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c): Reflects average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months. A value \(\geq 6.5%\) confirms diabetes.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood glucose before and 2 hours after drinking a glucose solution (75g). A 2-hour blood glucose level \(\geq 200 \text{ mg/dL}\) confirms diabetes.