Diabetes Testing

There are several different ways to screen for diabetes. One of the ways is to measure blood sugar levels after fasting.  Blood sugar levels of more than 126 are considered to be abnormal. Another method of diabetes testing is what is known as a "glucose tolerance test."   A series of blood samples is taken, and then the patient is given a glass of liquid containing glucose.  Another series of blood samples is taken after swallowing the liquid.  If the reading is 200 or over two hours after drinking the sugary liquid, a diagnosis of diabetes is likely.

Glucose intolerance can be diagnosed if the blood sugar reading is between 127 and 199.  The levels have to be abnormal on more than one occasion before an accurate diagnosis of diabetes or glucose intolerance can be made.  An abnormal glucose tolerance test does not necessarily mean a diagnosis of diabetes is in the future.  Making sure to get plenty of exercise, good nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight have been known to lower the risk of diabetes.

Hemoglobin A-1C is a diabetes testing procedure that can accurately indicate how high the average blood sugar level has been for the past several weeks. It is not used as a screening test, however, because blood sugar fluctuates daily and this is an averaging method of testing.

How does a person know if they are diabetic or not? How do they should be tested for diabetes?  It has been recommended by the American Diabetes Association that people over 45 and those under 45 who are overweight or obese or have one or more risk factors should be tested.  So, what are the risk factors?  A few of them are: physical inactivity, a family history of diabetes, having a baby that weighed over 9 pounds, high blood pressure, a history of cardiovascular disease and extreme obesity.

Pregnant women are sometimes at risk for developing gestational diabetes. The doctor will usually test at the first prenatal visit and as needed throughout the pregnancy. They are also tested six to twelve weeks after the baby is born. Gestational diabetes is presumed to disappear after the baby is born.

It has been said that children and teens are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes than they were in the past. This could in part be due to fast food, poor eating habits and not enough exercise. It is believed that diabetes testing should begin on high-risk children (obesity or family history) at age ten. These children should probably be tested every two years. Diabetes can occur at any age level.