Over 4 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with diabetes, but experts estimate there are 500,000 more who are unaware they have the condition. The vast majority – around 90% – have type 2 diabetes, which is often preventable.
High blood sugar levels in undiagnosed diabetes can cause permanent damage to eyes, nerves, kidneys and blood vessels if unchecked long-term. Two mouth-related symptoms that can indicate high blood sugar are a persistently dry mouth and breath that smells fruity.
Other symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, nausea, fatigue, blurred vision and unexplained weight loss. As early diabetes symptoms resemble other common ailments, many cases go undetected for years.
Diabetes impairs the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production (type 1) or insulin resistance (type 2). During pregnancy, gestational diabetes can emerge, but this usually resolves after delivery.
Left untreated, type 2 diabetes raises the risk of stroke, heart disease and other dangerous complications. By recognising the signs and confirming diagnosis with a simple blood test, outcomes can be greatly improved. Maintaining a healthy weight, diet and exercise regimen helps prevent or manage type 2 diabetes.
Catching Changes Early: The Benefits of Urine Testing for Diabetes
The Benefits of Urine Testing for Diabetes
Detecting high levels of glucose (sugar) or ketones in urine can provide an early warning sign of diabetes, allowing individuals to seek medical care before complications develop. This is why many people choose to use the Zoom Health Home Diabetes Test. Urine testing has a number of key advantages:
1. Non-Invasive and Accessible
Unlike blood draws which require needles, urine tests are simple and non-invasive, utilizing an existing bodily waste product. Urine test strips are also inexpensive and readily available for at-home testing. This makes routine monitoring convenient and accessible.
2. Early Detection of Diabetes
The presence of glucose in urine usually means that blood glucose is quite high at that moment. Detecting even small amounts can signal the potential start of diabetes. Similarly, ketones indicate the body has started breaking down fat and muscle because it cannot utilize blood glucose properly without enough insulin. Catching elevated ketone or glucose levels early is crucial for preventing long-term complications.
3. Track Management of Existing Diabetes
For those already diagnosed with diabetes, urine testing helps assess if treatment plans are working effectively. Checking for glucose following meals shows how well insulin therapy or other medications are controlling blood sugar spikes. Monitoring ketones ensures levels remain in check and do not become dangerously high. Quick urine tests allow frequent tracking at home in between doctor’s appointments.
4. Monitor Health During Illness or Other Stressors
Times of illness, injury, or emotional stress can all impact blood sugar control. Urine testing during these events helps gauge if additional care is needed to prevent levels from becoming too high or low. For individuals dependent on insulin, more intensive monitoring for ketones is especially vital when sick to avoid diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Frequent urine testing allows quick checks without added doctor visits.
5. Minimal Training or Equipment Needed
Urine test strips are designed for simplicity, with color-coded strips easy to decipher. No extensive medical training is required, allowing patients to reliably perform tests independently at home. This empowers individuals to take charge of tracking their health. As diabetes rates continue rising globally, accessible monitoring tools will become increasingly important.
In summary, convenient and non-invasive urine testing empowers patients to monitor diabetes markers in between doctor’s appointments. Catching changes early can prevent long-term complications, making urine tests for glucose and ketones a simple but invaluable tool for diabetes management.
Photo by Mason Kimbarovsky on Unsplash
Zoom Health is a leading UK supplier of Home Health Tests and Earplugs
