Diabetes tests given as part of awareness day

Betsy Dokken, a UMC nurse practitioner, said out of the 36 people who were screened, 25 were found to be at high risk for diabetes.

Those who have a parent or sibling with diabetes, are overweight, physically inactive or 45 or older are most at risk for Type II diabetes, also known as adult onset diabetes. Type I diabetes is the version college students are most at risk for, Dokken said.

Type I diabetes accounts for 5 percent to 10 percent of all cases and Type II makes up the other 90 percent to 95 percent.

Besides assessing risk factors, Dokken gave finger-stick blood glucose tests.

The test measures the amount of sugar in the blood and the results are immediate.

Dokken said one out of the 36 people tested had high blood sugar. High blood sugar is a sign of diabetes, Dokken said.

There are 15.7 million people in the United States with diabetes, according to American Diabetes Association statistics.

Diabetes is a disease where the body is unable to properly produce insulin. The cause of diabetes, though, is a mystery.

Dr. William Ziarnik, who practices internal medicine at the Campus Health Center, deals with students who have diabetes on a daily basis.

"Because students' ages at the UA range from 18 to 65 or older, I see both Type I and II diabetes," Ziarnik said.

Some students who come to Campus Health complaining of extreme thirst, frequent urination and unexplained weight loss have been diagnosed with diabetes, he said.

"Most students don't find having diabetes a problem or find it getting in the way of school," Ziarnik said.

Type I diabetics must eat on a regular schedule and give themselves insulin injections. Type II diabetics do not always have to take insulin and can manage their diabetes somewhat easier, Ziarnik said.

If students have symptoms or are at high risk for diabetes, they should contact their doctor. According to the American Diabetes Association, there is no cure for diabetes, and without treatment it can lead to blindness, kidney disease, heart disease or a stroke.