Diabetes

• Always tired
• Frequent urination
• Always hungry
• Sexual problems
• Sudden weight loss
• Wounds that won't heal
• Vaginal infections
• Numb or tingling hands and feet
• Always thirsty
• Blurry vision

Type 2 diabetes can be diagnosed in one of two ways. The glucose tolerance test involves drinking glucose to find out how quickly it is removed from the blood. The test includes the following stages:

• The person has to fast for 8 to 14 hours (water is allowed but not food).
• The test often starts early in the morning and has a "zero time" baseline which is calculated from the first blood sample.
• The person is then given a glucose solution drink. The standard does is 1.75g of glucose per kilogram.
• Blood samples are taken at intervals to measure glucose levels in the blood.
• The second test is called the fasting blood glucose test. The patient is not allowed to eat or drink for 8 hours before the test. Once again, fasting is necessary as food can increase bloos sugar levels.
• After the fast the patient's blood is tested for blood glucose levels. A blood glucose level of 100mg/dm3 is considered normal. Diabetes is diagnosed in people with fasting blood glucose levels that are 126mg/dm3 or higher.

Clinistrip - Strips of plastic with enzymes attached. Depending on the amount of glucose in the blood it will determine a clour change.

Glucose meters - These accept a clinistrip and 'read' that data as a blood glucose concentration.

Biosensor - A finger is pricked with a sharp needle, the spot of blood is placed on the biosensor. A digital reading will show up the blood glucose levels.