Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Diabetes Exams and Tests

By Jason Myers

The most fundamental test to determine whether or not one has diabetes is to check if they manifest the symptoms of either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include unexplained 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 visit a doctor for the two different tests 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 are suffering from 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 called 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 physician will diagnose diabetes if your glucose level is higher than 200 mg/dL after 2 hours. (This test is used 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 show 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 serve as guide in determining your blood glucose level which should be between 90 and 120 if you are diabetes free. Those whose levels fall within the range 121 and 130 are conceived as borderline diabetic while those with levels higher than 130 are diagnosed with diabetes. Remember these informations and keep them in a safe place!

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