Understanding Diabetes and Knowing How to Control It Better There are two major types of Diabetes Mellitus. You have the Type I diabetes mellitus, which is DM caused by an autoimmune disorder. This type usually begins in childhood. In this condition, the pancreas is no longer producing the adequate amount of insulin, so the glucose level is increased in the bloodstream. Insulin is very important because it attaches to the cells and sends a signal to start absorbing sugar from the bloodstream. You also have Type 2 DM. This is the most common form and is usually caused by diet and lifestyle choices. In this condition, the pancreas is producing insulin, but the amount may be insufficient or the cells of the body are insulin-resistant, …show more content…
• Tingling, numbness, and pain in the distal extremities due to peripheral nerve damage. • Weight loss. How is diabetes mellitus diagnosed? If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important that you visit your primary care physician immediately. Some of the tests that will be ordered include glycated hemoglobin A1c test which measures the Hemoglobin A1c in your body (normal level is below 5.7) as well as fasting blood sugar test which measures the glucose level in the blood after fasting overnight (normal level is 100 mg/dL or 5.6 mmol/L). Other tests include oral glucose tolerance test which also tests the glucose level in the blood (normal level is 140 mg/dL or 7.8 mmol/L) and insulin autoantibody test if Type 1 DM is suspected. If you are pregnant and are suffering from DM symptoms, a glucose challenge test may also be ordered. You can order lab tests online. You only need to print the clinic’s lab order and take it with you when you visit your local laboratory center. If the test item is not covered by your insurance company, you can easily check and compare affordable lab tests offered by the different providers and choose among the best lab test price without