• There are pproximately 5.1 Million undiagnosed people with diabetes,
• Diabetes kills approximately 233,000 people a year,
• Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death,
• Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among adults aged 20 to 74,
• Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, and
• Diabetes results in over 70,000 amputations a year.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

There are several warning signs and symptoms that may be result of diabetes. Somoe of these are mild and non-specific, while others are severe and require immediate attention. Among the signs and symptoms for diabetes are:

• excessive thirst,
• frequent urination,
• unexplained weight loss,
• increased fatigue,
• blurred vision,
• infections or wounds that are not healing,
• severe headaches, and
• loss of consciousness.

Diagnosing Diabetes

The diagnosis of diabetes, with or without the presence of signs and symptoms, is normally done with either of the following blood tests:

• The Casual Plasma Glucose Test
  A glucose level greater than 200 mg/dL may indicate diabetes.
• The Fasting Plasma Glucose Test
  may indicate diabetes if above 126 mg/dL.

Treating Diabetes

To treat diabetes, a combination of diet, medication, and/or insuling may be required. Type 1 diabetes typically requires insulin regular injections as a person with this type of diabetes does not produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes can often be treated successfully with diet and medication. New diabetes medications have come out in the past few years that make diabetes much more manageable. If the diabetes progresses, it may become necessary for the person with type 2 diabetes to commence taking insulin.

Medical Malpractice and
Complications from Delayed or Incorrect Treatment

The prognosis for diabetes varies. Some cases are mild and readily treated. Other cases are severe, and permanent impairment or death is possible without immediate diagnosis and treatment. With early diagnosis and prompt treatment, most patients are able to manage their diabetes.

If diabetes is detected and properly treated it can normally be managed through diet, medication, and possibly insulin. The severity of complications from diabetes can increase the longer the disease is present, especially if the patient does not receive treatment. Left undiagnosed or not treated correctly, diabetes can result in permanent complications including:

• Loss of kidney function,
• Loss of eyesight,
• Loss of extremeties, and even
• death

• Failing to test for diabetes when a patient reports warning signs or symptoms that can be caused by diabetes, such as
  • excessive thirst,
  • frequent urination,
  • difficulty with vision, and
  • severe headaches
• Delaying the diagnosis of diabetes
• Failing to order appropriate treatment for a patient with diabetes
• Failing to follow-up with the patient

If you or someone you love have suffered from serious complications of diabetes due to the neglect of a physician or other health care provider, you should immediately contact a competent attorney. The attorney will work with you to determine legal options that may be available.