Vision changes

Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes, a significant public health concern, arises from high blood sugar levels, often due to reduced insulin levels or insulin resistance. Insulin, crucial for regulating blood sugar, is produced in the pancreas. When this balance is off, symptoms can emerge. Therefore, GetTested's diabetes and blood sugar test provides valuable insights into blood sugar levels, helping to identify potential risks for type-2 diabetes.
The Role of Insulin and Glucose in Diabetes Management
Insulin plays a vital role in maintaining steady blood glucose levels, typically within the range of 3.3 to 7.0 mmol/L. It's essential for converting glucose, the body's primary energy source, into energy. Without insulin, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to diabetes over time.
Differentiating Between Types of Diabetes
There are two main types of diabetes, each with distinct characteristics:
Type-1 Diabetes This autoimmune condition attacks the pancreas, halting insulin production. Commonly starting at a young age, it necessitates management through insulin injections and regular blood sugar monitoring.
Type-2 Diabetes Alternatively, type-2 diabetes involves reduced insulin production or sensitivity. Consequently, monitoring and managing blood sugar levels are key to preventing the onset of type-2 diabetes.
Exploring GetTested's Diabetes Test
The GetTested Diabetes Test offers a detailed overview of your blood sugar levels over time. Including fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels, it provides a clear picture of your risk for type-2 diabetes.
Identifying Symptoms of Diabetes
Recognizing high blood sugar symptoms is crucial:

Increased thirst and frequent urination signal the body's attempt to regulate sugar levels.
Unusual fatigue and hunger are common signs of fluctuating blood sugar.
Additionally, weight loss, slow healing, skin problems, and tingling sensations can indicate diabetes.
Blurred vision and sexual dysfunction are also noteworthy symptoms.

In contrast, low blood sugar primarily affects individuals with type-1 diabetes, leading to symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and tremors.
Navigating Diabetes Management Effectively
Early stages of diabetes can often be managed with lifestyle changes. Meanwhile, type-1 diabetes requires insulin therapy. On the other hand, type-2 may need medication to enhance insulin sensitivity or insulin treatment in more severe cases. Importantly, GetTested provides the tools and guidance necessary for effective diabetes management.

About Cortisol
Cortisol is a stress hormone that is released when we are exposed to physical or mental stress. Cortisol is produced in the adrenal glands and helps you perform better physically and mentally in situations that the body perceives as acute stress. In the distant past, stress was a natural reaction to protect yourself from predators, whereas nowadays stress takes on a different form. Today, our stress comes from a modern setting, such as stress about paying the bills.
 
The stress we experience in today’s society often becomes chronic stress. This means high levels of cortisol building up in the body for long periods of time. This causes high levels of cortisol which is harmful and dangerous to the body, resulting in high blood pressure and high blood sugar which can cause type-2 diabetes.
 
However, too little cortisol in the body is not good either. If the cortisol levels become really low, the urine excretes large amounts of sodium, which can lead to life-threatening conditions. 
 
It is important to know if you are at a risk of being affected by any of these conditions. By taking GetTested’s Cortisol test, you can get an indication of your cortisol levels and take adequate measures to prevent cortisol disorders. 
The function of cortisol
Cortisol has a variety of functions in our body. In acute stressful situations, cortisol secretion helps you perform better, both physically and mentally. Cortisol is also important for the movement of the intestines and controls the body’s metabolism of sugar, fat and protein. With its anti-inflammatory effect, cortisol counteracts the function of the immune system, which makes us more susceptible to infections.
Your cortisol level is not always related to your stress level. Physical activity also increases cortisol secretion in the body, but unlike secretion during stress, cortisol instead reduces inflammation that occurs on the muscles. In the medical world, cortisol is best known for its anti-inflammatory and muscle-degrading effects in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, and this is then treated by adding cortisone.
Cortisol also controls the immune system and reduces swelling in allergies and insect bites. Therefore, Cortisol is a vital hormone for our wellbeing. 
Cortisol fluctuations 
Cortisol levels should be at the highest in the morning and lowest at night. The metabolism of fats, sugars and proteins is all controlled by the cortisol.  The amount of cortisol itself depends on what you do and how much stress you put on yourself. Stress can raise the cortisol levels, as well as being injured, having fever, infections or too high adrenaline. 
Symptoms of high cortisol:
In the long run, however, high levels are harmful to the body and with high levels of cortisol for a long time, fat burning decreases and impairs insulin sensitivity, which in the long run can lead to obesity and type-2 diabetes.

Fatigue
Low libido
Weight gain
Difficulty sleeping
High blood pressure
Poor immune function

Symptoms of low cortisol:
Low levels of cortisol can lead to menstrual disorders, muscle weakness and general mental illness, as well as cortisol inhibiting inflammation. In more rare and extreme cases, low cortisol can lead to adrenal insufficiency (also known as Addison’s disease). In such cases, the body does not make enough hormones. Diseases like Addison’s disease can cause life-threatening conditions and usually need to be medicated, but “Milder” conditions still cause a huge stress on the body and mind and should not be left untreated.
The most common symptoms of low cortisol are: 

Menstrual disorders
Fatigue
Muscle weakness
Low blood pressure
Loss of appetite
Nausea

Cortisol blood test vs cortisol saliva test
GetTested’s Cortisol Test measures your cortisol levels from your saliva instead of blood, making it a lot more convenient to use. For example, people with naturally cold hands may experience difficulty acquiring blood from pricking their finger, which makes a blood test not ideal. It is also more comfortable for people who are sensitive to blood and needles. 
Testing cortisol throughout the day
GetTested’s Cortisol Test measures bioavailable and free cortisol at seven points throughout the day, combining the first morning values into one, resulting in five reported values. Cortisol is released in response to physical or mental stress, enhancing physical and mental performance under short-term stress. However, consistently high cortisol levels can be harmful, while low levels can also pose health problems. This test is especially useful for those experiencing chronic stress, fatigue, or other stress-related symptoms.
For a comprehensive hormonal assessment, DHEA—another hormone affected by stress—is often measured alongside cortisol. Our DHEA Saliva Test can provide additional insights into your stress response and hormonal balance.