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:
Elevated blood sugar levels in diabetes frequently lead to the following common manifestations affecting bodily functions:

• Polyuria: Increased urinary output as the kidneys excrete surplus glucose.
• Polydipsia: Heightened thirst due to fluid depletion from urination.
• Polyphagia: Augmented hunger stemming from insufficient glucose uptake by cells for energy.
• Unexplained weight loss: Despite normal or increased food intake, body mass diminishes as fat and muscle tissues are catabolized.
• Fatigue: Reduced energy levels resulting from inefficient glucose utilization by the body.
• Blurred vision: Visual disturbances attributed to the impact of high glucose on the eye's lens.
• Slow healing of wounds and frequent infections: Consequent to compromised immune system function.

Laboratory Investigations for Diagnosis:
Diabetes diagnosis is definitively established via blood tests quantifying glucose concentrations under specific conditions:

• Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS): Blood glucose measurement following an overnight fast (8-12 hours). A value of \(\geq 126 \text{ mg/dL}\) recorded on two separate occasions signifies diabetes.
• Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS): Blood glucose assessment conducted 2 hours post-meal. A level of \(\geq 200 \text{ mg/dL}\) indicates diabetes.
• Random Blood Sugar (RBS): Blood glucose measurement at any arbitrary time in the presence of symptoms. A level of \(\geq 200 \text{ mg/dL}\) suggests diabetes.
• Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c): An indicator of average blood glucose levels over the preceding 2-3 months. A value \(\geq 6.5%\) confirms diabetes.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measurement of blood glucose prior to and 2 hours after the ingestion of a standardized glucose solution (75g). A 2-hour blood glucose level \(\geq 200 \text{ mg/dL}\) confirms diabetes.