Where to Get Diabetes Screenings in Amarillo, TX?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that can lead to serious health complications if left undetected and untreated. Regular diabetes screenings are vital for early detection, allowing you to take control of your health before complications arise. 

 

Whether you’re at risk for Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes, getting screened can help you manage the condition effectively. At CareXpress Urgent Care in Amarillo, TX, we offer comprehensive diabetes screenings designed to give you peace of mind and keep you healthy.

 

What are Diabetes Screenings?

Diabetes screenings involve a series of tests to determine if you have prediabetes or diabetes. These screenings are crucial for identifying diabetes in its early stages, especially since Type 2 diabetes often presents no noticeable symptoms.

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How are Diabetes Screenings Performed?

At CareXpress Urgent Care in Amarillo, TX, diabetes screenings are simple, quick, and usually involve a blood test. Depending on your situation, your healthcare provider might use one or more of the following tests:

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• A1C Test: Measures your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months.

• Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Requires fasting overnight to check your blood sugar levels.

• Glucose Tolerance Test: Involves fasting, followed by drinking a glucose solution and measuring your blood sugar at intervals.

• Random Blood Sugar Test: Measures your blood sugar at any time, without the need for fasting.​

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Why are Diabetes Screenings Important?

Early detection through screenings allows for timely management, which can prevent serious complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and vision loss. Regular screenings are particularly important if you have risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, obesity, or if you are over the age of 40.

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Types of Diabetes Screenings

1. A1C Test The A1C test measures your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. This test doesn’t require fasting and is commonly used to diagnose type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.

2. Fasting Blood Sugar Test This test measures your blood sugar level after fasting for at least eight hours. It is typically done in the morning before breakfast. A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.

3. Glucose Tolerance Test This test checks your blood sugar levels before and after you drink a glucose-containing liquid. It measures how efficiently your body processes sugar. If your blood sugar level is 200 mg/dL or higher two hours after drinking the glucose solution, you may have diabetes.

4. Random Blood Sugar Test This test measures your blood sugar at any given time, regardless of when you last ate. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher, along with symptoms of diabetes (such as frequent urination or extreme thirst), indicates diabetes.

5. Gestational Diabetes Screening For pregnant women, screening for gestational diabetes typically occurs between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. This involves a glucose screening test followed by a glucose tolerance test if needed.​

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Common Symptoms of Diabetes

1. Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination One of the earliest signs of diabetes is excessive thirst and the need to urinate more often than usual. As your body tries to get rid of the extra sugar in your blood, it pulls water from your tissues, making you feel dehydrated.

2. Extreme Hunger Even after eating, people with diabetes may feel extremely hungry. This happens because your body is not able to use insulin effectively, leading to an inability to convert food into energy.

3. Unexplained Weight Loss Despite eating more, people with diabetes may lose weight without trying. This is because your body starts burning muscle and fat for energy since it can’t use glucose properly.

4. Fatigue High blood sugar levels can make you feel tired and sluggish. When your body can’t use glucose for energy, you may feel constantly exhausted.

5. Blurred Vision High blood sugar levels can cause fluid to be pulled from the lenses of your eyes, leading to blurred vision. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to more severe vision problems.

6. Slow-Healing Sores or Frequent Infections Diabetes can weaken your body’s ability to heal and fight infections. Common signs include slow-healing cuts, sores, or frequent infections, particularly in the gums, skin, or urinary tract.

7. Tingling or Numbness in Hands or Feet High blood sugar can affect blood circulation and damage the nerves, leading to tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands and feet. This condition is known as neuropathy and can worsen over time if diabetes is not managed properly.​

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How We Diagnose Diabetes?

Diagnosing diabetes involves a series of blood tests that measure your blood sugar levels to determine if they are within a normal range. Here are the common diagnostic tests used:

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1. Fasting Blood Sugar Test This test measures your blood sugar after an overnight fast (at least 8 hours). A result of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.

2. A1C Test The A1C test provides an average of your blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests confirms a diabetes diagnosis.

3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) The OGTT measures your blood sugar before and after you drink a glucose-containing liquid. Blood sugar levels are checked periodically over a few hours. A reading of 200 mg/dL or higher 2 hours after drinking the liquid indicates diabetes.

4. Random Blood Sugar Test This test measures blood sugar at any time, regardless of when you last ate. A result of 200 mg/dL or higher, along with symptoms of diabetes like frequent urination and excessive thirst, can indicate diabetes.

5. Gestational Diabetes Testing For pregnant women, gestational diabetes is typically diagnosed between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy through a glucose screening test followed by an OGTT if the initial results are elevated.

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Why Go to Urgent Care for Diabetes Screenings?

Managing diabetes effectively begins with early detection, making routine screenings crucial, especially if you have risk factors like obesity, a family history of diabetes, or are over 40 years old. Urgent care centers offer a convenient and accessible option for diabetes screenings, ensuring you get timely results and the necessary follow-up care.

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1. Immediate Access to Care Unlike scheduling an appointment with a primary care physician, urgent care centers allow you to walk in and get screened without waiting for days or weeks. This is particularly beneficial if you're experiencing symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained weight loss.

2. Comprehensive Testing Urgent care centers are equipped to perform a range of diagnostic tests, from A1C levels to fasting blood sugar tests. They can quickly identify if you’re at risk for or have diabetes and provide guidance on the next steps.

3. Early Intervention Catching diabetes early allows for prompt management, which can prevent severe complications such as heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney failure. Urgent care centers can initiate treatment or refer you to a specialist if necessary.

4. Personalized Care Healthcare providers at urgent care centers can offer personalized advice on lifestyle changes, medications, and follow-up testing. They ensure you understand your condition and how to manage it effectively.

5. Convenience With extended hours, including evenings and weekends, urgent care centers provide flexible options that fit your schedule, making it easier to prioritize your health without disrupting your daily routine.

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Contact CareXpress Urgent Care in Amarillo Today!

Take control of your health immediately. If you're concerned about diabetes or need a routine screening, visit CareXpress Urgent Care in Amarillo, TX. 

 

Our compassionate and knowledgeable team is ready to provide you the care you need. With five convenient locations: Canyon, Downtown, Georgia, Ross-Osage, and Summit, you can walk in at a time that works for you or make a reservation online today. 

 

Take the first step toward managing your health by getting screened for diabetes at CareXpress Urgent Care.