Why Get Tested
- Early Detection: Identifying diabetes early can help you manage it better and reduce the risk of complications.
- Prevention: If you’re at risk, testing can help catch prediabetes, allowing you to make lifestyle changes to prevent full-blown diabetes.
- Management: If you’re already diagnosed, regular testing helps track your blood sugar levels and adjust treatment as needed.
When to Get Tested
- Routine Screening:
Adults: If you’re over 45, it’s a good idea to get tested every 3 years, especially if you’re overweight or have other risk factors.
Younger Adults: If you’re under 45 but have risk factors like obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or a family history of diabetes, you might need testing earlier.
- Pregnant Women:
Early Screening: If you’re at high risk for gestational diabetes (e.g., you’re overweight, have a family history, or had it in a previous pregnancy), you might be tested earlier.
Routine Screening: Typically, gestational diabetes screening is done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
- Symptoms:
If you have symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, or blurred vision, get tested right away.
Types of Tests
- Fasting Blood Sugar Test:
What It Is: Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast.
Normal Level: Less than 100 mg/dL.
Prediabetes: 100-125 mg/dL.
Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT):
What It Is: Measures blood sugar before and 2 hours after drinking a sugary solution.
Normal Level: Less than 140 mg/dL after 2 hours.
Prediabetes: 140-199 mg/dL after 2 hours
Diabetes is indicated by a blood sugar of 200 mg/dL or more two hours after a glucose test.
- Hemoglobin A1c Test:
What It Is: Reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.
Normal Level: Less than 5.7%.
Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%.
Diabetes: 6.5% or higher.
- Random Blood Sugar Test:
What It Is: Measures blood sugar at any time, regardless of when you last ate.
Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher, along with symptoms.
Tests for Gestational Diabetes
- Initial Screening:
Glucose Challenge Test: A preliminary test where you drink a sugary liquid, and your blood is tested after 1 hour. If the result is high, further testing is needed.
- Confirmatory Testing:
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): If the initial screening is abnormal, this test measures blood sugar at fasting and then at intervals after consuming a sugary drink
After a Diagnosis
- Follow-Up:
Regular Monitoring: Depending on your diagnosis, you’ll need regular tests to monitor your blood sugar levels.
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- Lifestyle Changes: Adjustments in diet, exercise, and sometimes medication will be recommended.
- Education and Support:
Diabetes Management: You’ll get advice on managing diabetes, including monitoring blood sugar, understanding your medication, and making lifestyle changes
New Scientific Breakthrough offers hope for better diabetes control
Where to Get Tested for Diabetes
- Primary Care Physician:
Your doctor can order tests and interpret the results.
- Specialty Clinics:
Endocrinologists or diabetes clinics specialize in diabetes care.
- Laboratories:
Many independent labs offer diabetes testing.
- Hospitals:
Hospitals may conduct tests and provide diagnostic services.
- Pregnancy Care Clinics:
If you’re pregnant, your obstetrician or midwife will arrange gestational diabetes testing.
