What Are The Different Test For Diabetes?

You may be wondering how diabetes is diagnosed and what they do when they test for diabetes. The test for diabetes is actually a few different tests to help determine if you have diabetes or not. Before we discuss the different test for diabetes, let’s explore exactly what diabetes is.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is known as a metabolic disorder. Someone who has diabetes has difficulty making insulin, or has a resistance to insulin. Insulin is a hormone which is made in the pancreas that is responsible for regulating our blood sugar levels. There are a few different test for diabetes that can be done.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is when the bodies own immune system mounts an attack on the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. These cells are calling the islet cells. It used to be referred to as juvenile onset diabetes because it is more common in children. Type 1 diabetes is considered insulin dependent diabetes. A patient who is type 1 must take multiple daily injections of insulin, or get insulin through a device called an insulin pump to survive. Without insulin they will die.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is thought to be the most popular form.With Type 2 diabetes the body does not make the exact amount of insulin that is needed or there may be a slight resistance to insulin because the cells are not responding to the insulin. Type 2 diabetes can be controlled with diet and exercise as well as oral insulin pills. In severe cases insulin injections may be needed.

What is the test for diabetes?

There are actually three different test for diabetes that are commonly used to determine a diagnosis. They include:

A fast glucose test, also known as FPG test. This will measure the blood glucose of someone who has not eaten anything for around 8 hours. Blood glucose of 126 or above usually warrants a diagnosis of diabetes.

An oral glucose test, also known as OGTT. This test measures the blood glucose of someone who fasts at least 8 hours and 2 hour after they drink a sugar containing beverage. A blood glucose level of 200 or above usually warrants a diagnosis of diabetes.

A random glucose test. This test measures the blood glucose of someone at a random time during the day regardless if they ate or drank something prior. A blood glucose level of 200 and above with additional symptoms such as increased urination, increased thirst, and weight loss usually warrants a diagnosis of diabetes.

The FTG test is usually the preferred test for diabetes by doctors as it provides a more accurate answer as to what is going on with their blood glucose. It is important if you suspect any symptoms to get a test for diabetes done. Diabetes is a serious condition if left untreated for too long, and a simple test for diabetes can put your mind at ease. If you are faced with a diagnosis of diabetes after having a test for diabetes done, it is not the end of the world. Although it can be a serious condition, after having a test for diabetes done it can be managed so you can live a normal life.