Commonly Administered Tests And Exams For Diabetes

The most fundamental test to determine whether or not one has diabetes is to observe if they exhibit the symptoms of either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The signs of Type 1 diabetes include unexplained thirst, good appetite or frequent urge to urinate, weight loss and blurred vision. The symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include unreasonable weight loss, fatigue, increased thirst, urination, vomiting and nausea.

You also have to visit a medical practitioner for the two required exams which will examine your blood glucose level. A urine analysis may be undertaken to look for glucose and ketones from the breakdown of fat. However, this test alone will not determine whether you have diabetes or not.

Your physician will also perform one of the following blood tests to diagnose diabetes:

1. Fasting blood glucose level ? The doctor will diagnose diabetes if glucose level higher than 126 mg/dL even when the test is repeated. Levels between 100 and 126 mg/dL are known as impaired fasting glucose or pre-diabetes. They are regarded to be risk factors for Type 2 diabetes and its possible complications.

2. Oral glucose tolerance test ? The doctor will diagnose diabetes if your glucose level yields higher than 200 mg/dL after 2 hours. (This test is employed more for Type 2 diabetes.)

3. Random (non-fasting) blood glucose level ? The doctor will diagnose diabetes if higher than 200 mg/dL and if you demonstrate diabetes symptoms which include increased thirst, frequent urge to urinate, and fatigue. (This test must be confirmed with a fasting blood glucose test.)

These tests are used to check your blood glucose level which should fall between 90 and 120 if you don?t have diabetes. Those whose levels are between 121 and 130 are conceived as borderline diabetic while those with levels above 130 will be diagnosed with diabetes. Remember these informations and keep them in a safe place!

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