diagnosing diabetes requires a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. the goal is to determine if the body is able to properly regulate blood sugar levels. there are several tests that can be used to diagnose diabetes, and the choice of test often depends on the individual’s symptoms, medical history, and risk factors. here are 12 diabetes diagnosis tests that healthcare providers use to achieve accurate results:
fasting plasma glucose test (fpg): this is one of the most common tests used to diagnose diabetes. it measures the level of glucose in the blood after an overnight fast of at least 8 hours. a level of 126 mg/dl or higher indicates diabetes.
oral glucose tolerance test (ogtt): this test measures the body’s ability to use insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. the test involves drinking a sugary drink and then measuring blood glucose levels over the next 2 hours. a level of 200 mg/dl or higher indicates diabetes.
hemoglobin a1c (hba1c) test: this test measures the average level of glucose in the blood over the past 2-3 months. it does this by measuring the percentage of glucose that has attached to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. an hba1c level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.
random plasma glucose test: this test measures the level of glucose in the blood at any time of day, regardless of when the individual last ate. it’s often used in emergency situations or when someone has symptoms of severe hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
glucose challenge test: this test is used to diagnose gestational diabetes in pregnant women. it involves drinking a sugary drink and then measuring blood glucose levels after 1 hour.
urine tests: while not as accurate as blood tests, urine tests can be used to detect the presence of ketones, which are produced when the body breaks down fat for energy instead of glucose. ketones can indicate that the body is not using insulin properly.
autoantibody tests: these tests are used to diagnose type 1 diabetes by detecting the presence of autoantibodies in the blood. autoantibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that attack and destroy the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.
genetic testing: genetic testing can be used to diagnose certain types of diabetes, such as maturity-onset diabetes of the young (mody), which is caused by a genetic mutation.
insulin level test: this test measures the level of insulin in the blood. it can be used to diagnose insulin resistance, a condition in which the body produces insulin but is unable to use it properly.
c-peptide test: this test measures the level of c-peptide, a protein produced by the pancreas that is released into the bloodstream along with insulin. it can be used to diagnose type 1 diabetes and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
fructosamine test: this test measures the average level of glucose in the blood over the past 2-3 weeks. it’s often used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in people with diabetes.
glycated albumin test: this test measures the level of glucose that has attached to albumin, a protein in the blood. it can be used to diagnose diabetes and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
what are the symptoms of diabetes that require immediate medical attention?
+symptoms of diabetes that require immediate medical attention include excessive thirst and urination, blurred vision, slow healing of cuts and wounds, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, and fruity breath odor.
what are the risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes?
+risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include obesity, physical inactivity, family history of diabetes, age (45 or older), certain ethnicities (african american, hispanic/latino, american indian), and history of gestational diabetes or delivering a baby over 9 pounds.
how often should i get tested for diabetes if i have a family history of the disease?
+if you have a family history of diabetes, you should get tested for diabetes every 3 years, starting at age 45. if you have other risk factors, such as obesity or physical inactivity, you may need to get tested more often.
