Diabetes Diagnosis: Q And A With Dr. Madiha Ahmed

Diabetes is a condition that impairs the body’s ability to process blood glucose, otherwise known as blood sugar. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases all around the world, 4 out of 10 people are known to suffer from diabetes. Oladoc discusses diabetes diagnosis with top endocrinologist, Dr. Madiha Ahmed.

Dr. Madiha Ahmed is an endocrinologist in Islamabad. In her interview with oladoc, she discusses the basics of endocrinology and common health concerns related to it. She also discusses various types and forms of diabetes, the key symptoms, and its diagnosis procedure.

Q.1: What are the most commonly diagnosed endocrinology problems?

Most common endocrinology problem in the world and even Pakistan is diabetes; it is an endocrine disease where insulin in the body does not perform its designated functions. As a result, sugar levels in the blood rise. 

Q.2: What are the types of diabetes?

There are several types of diabetes but we will discuss the two most primary types. Type 1 diabetes is a birth defect; the patient is born with diabetes due to complications in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes is the most common; about 80% of all diabetic patients have type 2, this develops later in life. 

Diabetes Diagnosis: Q And A With Dr. Madiha Ahmed

Q.3: What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Diabetes type 1 is usually detected in school-going age and its treatment without insulin is not possible. Symptoms include being extremely thirsty, excessive urge to urinate, frequent hunger pangs even a few hours after eating, quick weight loss, delayed healing of wounds and infections. 

Symptoms of diabetes type 2 patients are the same but only some of them show, in most cases for the first 2-3 years the patient themselves are unaware of this condition. This is why it is mostly referred to as the silent killer, most people incidentally get a diagnosis. For example, if they suffer from heart complications or kidney issues, routine tests might also diagnose diabetes. Therefore, frequent screening is recommended. 

Q.4: How is diabetes diagnosed?

The diagnostic procedure is fairly simple, blood sugar levels in fasting are taken this is done by staying hungry for around 10 hours and then giving a blood sample for evaluation. If the blood sugar level is less than 100, the patient is not diabetic. If it ranges from 100-125, the patient is borderline diabetic, and if it exceeds 135 then the patient is diabetic.

Another test by the name of Hba1c can also be done; this does not require fasting and presents average blood sugar levels of the past few months. If the levels are less than 5.1, the patient does not have diabetes. If it is between 5.7-6.4, the patient is borderline diabetic and if it exceeds 6.5 then the patient is diabetic. 

Q.5: How often would you recommend screening tests for diabetes?

Those who are overweight or have a family history of diabetes, cholesterol problems, and blood pressure issues must get themselves routinely screened. Moreover, females with PCOS or those females who experience diabetes in gestation period are strongly recommended to get their relevant screening tests at least once a year. Timely diagnosis results in better and efficient chances of recovery. 

If you want to learn more about diabetes and the recommended lifestyle for it, watch the full video. Moreover, if you have any diabetes-related concerns, consult an endocrinologist at your earliest.

You can find and book an appointment with the best endocrinologist. You can book an appointment via the website, mobile app or by calling our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT professional for your concerns.