Diabetes Exams and Tests
The most basic test to determine whether or not one has diabetes is to check if they exhibit the signs of either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The signs of Type 1 diabetes include excessive thirst, increased appetite or urination, weight loss and cloudy vision. The manifestations of Type 2 diabetes include excessive weight loss, fatigue, increased thirst, urination, vomiting and nausea.
You must also consult a medical practitioner for the two required exams to determine your blood glucose level. A urine analysis may be used 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 doctor will also undertake one of the following blood tests to diagnose diabetes:
1. Fasting blood glucose level ? The doctor will confirm diabetes if 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 considered to be risk factors for Type 2 diabetes and its possible complications.
2. Oral glucose tolerance test ? The doctor will confirm diabetes if your glucose level yields higher than 200 mg/dL after 2 hours. (This test is used heavily for Type 2 diabetes.)
3. Random (non-fasting) blood glucose level ? The physician will confirm diabetes if higher than 200 mg/dL and if you exhibit diabetes symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urge to urinate, and tiredness. (This exam must be confirmed with a fasting blood glucose test.)
Results of these tests are used to check your blood glucose level which should fall between 90 and 120 if you are diabetes free. Those whose levels are between 121 and 130 are considered borderline diabetic while those with levels higher than 130 are diagnosed with diabetes. Remember these informations and keep them in a safe place!