The VNA is now offering blood sugar testing along with our other community health services of blood pressure screening and seasonal flu shots. As high blood sugar can often go undetected, these free clinic tests can be a key in preventative health care. View our Calendar at http://farmingtonvalleyvna.org/wp/events/h. (Fasting for 2 hours prior the test is recommended.) Why should you get tested?
Here’s why:
Glucose, or sugar, is the fuel that powers cells throughout the body. When something goes wrong—and cells aren’t absorbing the glucose—the resulting high blood sugar damages nerves, blood vessels, and organs, possibly setting the stage for dangerous complications. High blood sugar causes no obvious symptoms at all, at least at first. About 29 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, but one in four has no idea. Another 86 million have higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, but not high enough to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. That’s why it’s a good idea to get your blood sugar tested if you are at risk for diabetes. That includes people who are overweight, physically inactive, have high blood pressure or have a family history. A single high blood sugar test isn’t enough to diagnose diabetes, because blood sugar can spike if you are sick or under stress. But if repeated tests are elevated, it’s a sign you have a problem. The good news is that catching it early—before you have signs and symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, headaches, fatigue, dry mouth, dry itchy skin, or difficulty concentrating, can help you get treated and avoid serious complications down the road. The VNA is here to help. So please stop in to one of our clinics.