Comprehensive Diabetes (blood and urine)

More than 1.2 million Dutch people suffer from diabetes (source: Diabetes Fund). This is a major problem, as diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other serious health problems. With the Comprehensive Diabetes Test, you can easily and quickly determine if you have (an increased risk of) diabetes.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a long-term metabolic condition characterized by an imbalance in blood sugar levels. There are three primary forms of diabetes, each stemming from different underlying issues, but all result in irregular blood sugar regulation.

Type 1 Diabetes: This is an autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin is vital for regulating blood sugar by aiding cells in absorbing glucose for energy.

Type 2 Diabetes: In this form, the body develops resistance to insulin. It’s most commonly associated with individuals who have significant obesity.

Gestational Diabetes: This type emerges during pregnancy and can affect both the mother and the baby if not managed.

Symptoms of diabetes and its precursor, pre-diabetes, can vary. The most frequently observed signs include persistent fatigue, an unquenchable thirst, and increased urination. If you experience these symptoms, it’s crucial to undergo a diabetes test to confirm the diagnosis. Early detection is vital, as untreated diabetes can lead to severe health complications over time. It’s worth noting that some individuals with diabetes might not exhibit any symptoms, making regular screenings essential for those at risk.

Fortunately, lifestyle interventions can prevent or manage Type 2 diabetes. Adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and monitoring blood sugar levels, especially for those at heightened risk, can make a significant difference.

Complications with untreated diabetes

Untreated diabetes can lead to serious health problems over time. A consistently elevated blood sugar level can cause damage to blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as a heart attack or stroke. Diabetes can also damage the kidneys. Complications to the eyes, such as retinopathy, often occur in diabetes patients, resulting in reduced vision or even blindness.

In diabetes, there is often a weakened immune system and poor wound healing. This increases the risk of infections and amputations of feet and legs. In summary, diabetes can be dangerous and severely reduce the quality of life.

How does the diabetes self-test work?

After ordering the Comprehensive Diabetes Test online and the package has been delivered to your home, you can get started. The box contains a lot.

The Comprehensive Diabetes Test, which includes both blood and urine analyses, is made up of four tests that together give a clear indication of potential diabetes risk. The urine glucose test measures the glucose in your urine. With an elevated blood sugar level, the kidneys cannot absorb all glucose, causing glucose to be excreted in the urine. This can indicate an uncontrolled blood sugar level. You can collect the urine for this test at home.

The blood glucose, insulin, and HbA1c are also measured. By mapping the insulin level in the blood, insight is obtained into the functioning of the pancreas, where insulin is produced. The HbA1c test indicates what the blood sugar levels have been in the past 2-3 months, making it a good addition to the snapshot of glucose.

To measure insulin, blood glucose, and HbA1c, some blood must be drawn. This can be done at one of the many PMO puncture points. There is always one nearby. Depending on the puncture point, you can just walk in or you need to make an appointment in advance.

Note: you must be fasting for the diabetes test. You should not eat anything in the 12 hours before the test. Drinking is allowed.

What is measured in the diabetes self-test?

The blood and urine test for diabetes test measures glucose in blood and urine, and insulin and HbA1c in the blood. With the help of these biomarkers, a detailed picture can be obtained, and our doctor can determine whether there is diabetes or an increased risk of diabetes. If there is indeed a consistently elevated blood sugar level, this problem can be addressed, for example, by making changes to lifestyle, increasing physical activity, and regularly monitoring blood glucose.