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Dr. Alvin G. Isaac, Omega, Paynesville (2026)

28/08/2026

Managing Diabetes Mellitus

Post 7: How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?

Diabetes is diagnosed using blood glucose or HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) tests. Symptoms alone are not enough to confirm diabetes.

The main tests used to diagnose diabetes include:
✅ Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG). This test measures blood glucose after at least 8 hours without food or caloric drinks. A result of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher is in the diabetes range.

✅ HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin). HbA1c shows the average level of blood glucose over approximately the previous 2–3 months. An HbA1c of 6.5% or higher is in the diabetes range.

✅ Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). After fasting, blood glucose is measured before and 2 hours after drinking a glucose-containing drink. The standard test uses a glucose drink containing 75 grams of glucose. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher is in the diabetes range.

✅ Random Plasma Glucose. A random plasma glucose level of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher, together with classic symptoms of hyperglycemia—such as frequent urination, increased thirst, or unexplained weight loss—or a hyperglycemic crisis, can be used to diagnose diabetes.

In the absence of clear hyperglycemia or a hyperglycemic crisis, an abnormal diagnostic result should be confirmed with a second abnormal result. This can be the same test repeated at another time or a different diagnostic test. Two abnormal results from different tests, such as HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose, may also be obtained at the same time to confirm the diagnosis.

Early diagnosis is important because diabetes can exist for a long time without obvious symptoms. If you have symptoms or risk factors for diabetes, talk to a qualified healthcare professional about appropriate testing.

Disclaimer: This post is for health education only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any diabetes medicine without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.

27/08/2026

Managing Diabetes Mellitus

Post 6: Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

Diabetes can develop gradually, and some people may have few or no noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages of type 2 diabetes. In some cases, diabetes may remain undiagnosed for years.

When blood glucose becomes too high, common signs and symptoms may include:

✅Frequent urination (polyuria) — a person may need to urinate more often than usual, including during the night.

✅Increased thirst (polydipsia) — excessive urination causes the body to lose water, which can lead to increased thirst.

✅Increased hunger (polyphagia) — when insulin is insufficient or does not work effectively, glucose cannot be used properly by cells for energy, which may contribute to increased hunger.

✅Other possible symptoms include unexplained weight loss, tiredness, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, and recurrent infections.

In type 1 diabetes, symptoms can develop quickly and may become severe. Some people may develop diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious and potentially life-threatening complication that requires urgent medical treatment.

Having these symptoms does not automatically mean that a person has diabetes. Symptoms alone are not sufficient to establish the diagnosis. Diabetes is diagnosed using established blood glucose or A1C criteria. These include fasting plasma glucose, a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, A1C, or, in a person with classic symptoms of hyperglycemia or a hyperglycemic crisis, a random plasma glucose of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher.

If you notice symptoms of diabetes or have risk factors for diabetes, seek medical care for appropriate testing and evaluation.

Disclaimer: This post is for health education only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any diabetes medicine without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.

25/08/2026

Managing Diabetes Mellitus

Post 5: Causes and Risk Factors of Diabetes

Diabetes does not have one single cause. The causes and risk factors vary depending on the type of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is mainly caused by an autoimmune reaction in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Genetic and environmental factors may also influence a person's risk.

Type 2 diabetes develops through a combination of genetic, metabolic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Important risk factors include family history, increasing age, overweight or obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating patterns, and a history of prediabetes. High blood pressure and certain other health conditions can also increase the risk.

Type 2 diabetes is not caused simply by eating certain foods or by a lack of exercise. It usually develops when the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, known as insulin resistance, together with a gradual decline in the pancreas's ability to produce enough insulin.

Having a risk factor does not mean that a person will definitely develop diabetes. Some people develop type 2 diabetes without obvious risk factors, while others with several risk factors may never develop it.

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when the body cannot produce enough insulin to overcome the increased insulin resistance that naturally occurs during pregnancy. The risk is higher in people who are overweight or obese, have had gestational diabetes before, have a family history of type 2 diabetes, or belong to certain racial or ethnic groups with higher risk.

Other forms of diabetes can result from genetic conditions, diseases or damage affecting the pancreas, certain hormonal disorders, or certain medicines, such as glucocorticoids.

Understanding the causes and risk factors of diabetes can help people recognize their risk, seek appropriate screening, and take steps toward prevention, early detection, and proper management.

Disclaimer: This post is for health education only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any diabetes medicine without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.

24/08/2026

Managing Diabetes Mellitus

Post 4: Types of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is not just one condition. There are different types of diabetes, and each type has different causes and characteristics.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body produces little or no insulin. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin treatment to survive.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It occurs mainly when the body does not use insulin effectively, a condition called insulin resistance. Over time, the pancreas may also become unable to produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels.

Gestational diabetes is diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy in a person who did not have diabetes before pregnancy. It usually resolves after delivery, but it increases the mother's future risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If not properly managed, it can also increase health risks for both the mother and baby.

There are also other specific types of diabetes, including diabetes caused by certain genetic conditions, diseases of the pancreas, hormonal disorders, and some medicines.

Although these types of diabetes have different causes, they are all associated with abnormally high blood glucose levels due to problems with insulin production, insulin action, or both.

Knowing the type of diabetes a person has is important because treatment and management depend on the type of diabetes and the individual's specific needs.

Disclaimer: This post is for health education only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any diabetes medicine without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.

23/08/2026

Managing Diabetes Mellitus

Post 3: Understanding Blood Sugar and Insulin

Blood sugar, also called blood glucose, is the main type of sugar found in the blood. It comes mainly from the foods we eat, especially foods containing carbohydrates. Glucose provides energy for the body's cells.

After we eat, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose and absorbed into the bloodstream. As blood glucose rises, the pancreas releases insulin.

Insulin acts like a key that helps glucose move from the bloodstream into many cells, where it can be used for energy or stored for later use. Insulin also helps prevent blood glucose from becoming too high.

In diabetes, this process does not work properly. The body may not produce enough insulin, the cells may not respond properly to insulin, or both. This can cause glucose to remain in the bloodstream and lead to high blood sugar levels.

Maintaining blood glucose within an appropriate range is important because both very high and very low blood sugar can cause problems.

Understanding the relationship between food, glucose, insulin, and the body's cells helps us understand what happens in diabetes and why proper management is important.

Disclaimer: This post is for health education only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any diabetes medicine without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.

21/08/2026

Managing Diabetes Mellitus

Post 2: What Is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is a group of chronic metabolic conditions in which blood glucose (blood sugar) levels become too high because of problems with insulin production, insulin action, or both.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It helps glucose move from the bloodstream into many cells of the body, where it can be used for energy.

When insulin is absent, insufficient, or not working effectively, the body may not be able to regulate blood glucose properly. As a result, glucose can build up in the blood. Over time, persistent high blood glucose can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of complications affecting organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.

There are several types of diabetes. The main categories include type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes, as well as other specific types caused by conditions such as certain genetic disorders, diseases of the pancreas, or some medicines.

Although the different types of diabetes have different causes and characteristics, they all involve problems with the regulation of blood glucose.

Diabetes is a serious condition, but with appropriate treatment, healthy lifestyle habits, regular monitoring when needed, and proper medical care, many people with diabetes can live healthy and productive lives.

Disclaimer: This post is for health education only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any diabetes medicine without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.

20/08/2026

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Jaycee G Zorh, Genevie Dahn Parker, Emmanuel Menwon, Lawrence Kotokpo Sherman, Matirankie Kanneh, Phebe Chea, Eugene G. T. Harvey, J Woyee S Wreh, Emmanuel Nyawayleh, Philip Marvelous Doe, John Stephenson Hena, Taire Luke Boimah, Sia F K Samukai, Marvelous Melvin Moses Tinnie, Moses Lackay, L Trust Fahnbulleh, Marshall Favorite, Pactoria Yatta Bowman, Cecelia Davis, Roosevelt G Wonyean, Hawa Watta Jallah, Mitchell Momo Sanoh Jr., Richmond A G Fleming II, Urey D Mulbah, Kpahn Bartuah, Vivain Weah, Comfort Saybah Zowulu, Tonia S. Cooper, Matthew F Kumbelay, Marlon O. Avery, Prince Mulbah, Ramcy D. Mulbah, Ma Dorris Son, Daniel W Ben, Lewisvanco Teah, Joseph Mulbah, Benjamin Gaye, Toobless Joel Jolo, Saybah Jallah, Rebecca Camille Joseph, Fatumata Nyei, Blessing Golo, Terry A. Teaway, Ambulia S. Siryon, Aboulah Kanneh, Abel Trokon Cheeseman, Abednego F. Sumo, Massa K Ben, Oscar Nyema, Abishai Sorseah

20/08/2026

Managing Diabetes Mellitus

Post 1: Introduction

Diabetes mellitus is a common condition that affects how the body uses glucose (sugar) for energy.

Glucose is an important source of energy for our body. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps glucose move from the blood into many cells, where it can be used for energy.

In diabetes, the body may not produce enough insulin, may not use insulin properly, or both. As a result, glucose can build up in the blood, causing high blood sugar levels.

If diabetes is not properly managed, persistently high blood sugar can, over time, damage important organs and body systems, including the heart and blood vessels, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.

The good news is that diabetes can often be managed effectively. Management may include healthy eating, regular physical activity, appropriate monitoring of blood glucose, medicines when needed, diabetes education, and regular medical care.

However, diabetes management is not the same for everyone. The appropriate treatment depends on the type of diabetes, age, other health conditions, medications, blood glucose levels, and individual needs.

In this series, we will discuss diabetes mellitus in simple terms—from its types, causes, symptoms, and diagnosis to prevention, treatment, medicines, complications, and everyday management.

Disclaimer: This post is for health education only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any diabetes medicine without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.

18/08/2026

Know About Your Blood Pressure Medicines

Final Post: Important Tips for Taking Blood Pressure Medicines

Taking your blood pressure medicine correctly is an important part of controlling your blood pressure.

Take your medicine as prescribed, preferably at the same time each day when appropriate. Do not stop taking it simply because you feel better—high blood pressure often has no symptoms.

If you forget a dose, follow the instructions provided with your medicine or ask your pharmacist what to do. Do not automatically double the next dose.

Keep track of your blood pressure as advised by your healthcare provider and attend your follow-up appointments. Tell your healthcare provider about any troublesome side effects, other medicines, herbal products, or supplements you use.

Lifestyle changes are also important. Reduce excessive salt intake, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, avoid to***co, and limit alcohol.

Most importantly, never start, stop, or change your blood pressure medicine without professional advice.

Disclaimer: This post is for health education only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any blood pressure medicine without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.

Dr. Alvin G. Isaac

28/08/2026

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