Diabetes is a serious life-long disease whose occurrence is on the rise. Though the causes of the condition vary, diabetes is fairly simple to diagnose.
First, a physician will perform a blood test called a Glycated hemoglobin, or A1C, test that measures the average level of glucose in the blood over the past two or three months. If the results of the A1C test are not consistent or a patient has a condition that can affect the test’s accuracy, a doctor may also perform a random blood sugar test or a fasting blood sugar test.
Patients will also be questioned about their medical and family histories as diabetes has proven to be hereditary.
If initial tests indicate higher-than-average glucose levels in the blood, a physician can prescribe medication right away, or continue testing the blood to find out more information. People who are severely ill may show naturally high blood glucose levels, and caution must be observed when diagnosing such people as diabetic.
Normal blood glucose levels measure about 90 mg/dl. Those who suspect that they have diabetes will typically have a level higher than 140 mg/dl. After initial testing, a patient will fast for at least eight hours, after which their blood glucose levels will be measured five times in a span of three hours. After this test is performed, a doctor will confirm or dismiss a diabetes diagnosis.
For more information on diabetes, see below:
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