by Kassel K

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, and medical and family history. A physical exam will be done. There are 4 main tests used to diagnose diabetes. Most tests results should be confirmed with repeat testing. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends using one of the following tests to make the diagnosis:

Random Plasma Glucose Test

Symptoms typical of diabetes include excessive thirst and hunger, frequent urination, and weight loss. Your doctor will make the diagnosis based on your symptoms and the results of the random plasma glucose test. This test is taken any time of day (without regard to when you have last eaten). A sample of your blood will be taken. The blood glucose level will be measured. A measure of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) (11.1 millimoles per liter of blood [mmol/L]) or higher along with typical symptoms indicates the presence of diabetes.

Fasting Plasma Glucose Test

You will need to avoid eating for at least 8 hours before the test. A sample of your blood will be taken. The blood glucose level will be measured. A level of 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher indicates a diagnosis of diabetes.

Diagnosis Fasting Plasma Glucose Level
Prediabetes 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6-6.9 mmol/L)
Diabetes 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher

Two-hour Glucose Tolerance Test

This starts with a 3-day intake of a diet consisting of at least 150 grams of carbohydrates. You will then be asked to fast overnight (between 8-16 hours). The test is generally done in the morning, in your doctor's office.

A blood sample will be obtained from you to measure the blood sugar level. Then, you will drink 75 grams of glucose dissolved in water. Two hours later, another blood sample will be obtained to measure the blood sugar level. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar level will rise higher than normal and remain high for a much longer time than is normal. A measure of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher at 2 hours is considered a positive test.

Diagnosis Glucose Levels
Prediabetes 140-199 mg/dL (7.8-11 mmol/L)
Diabetes 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

The HbA1c test is a good indicator of your average blood sugar levels over the previous 3 months. This test usually does not require any dietary restrictions. A blood sample will be taken. In most people, an HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher indicates a diagnosis of diabetes.

Diagnosis HbA1c Level
Prediabetes 5.7%-6.4%
Diabetes 6.5% or higher

Other Commonly Ordered Tests

After the diagnosis of diabetes is confirmed, your doctor will most likely order the following tests:

  • Urine microalbumin to see if there is any damage to your kidneys
  • Blood lipids levels, such as total cholesterol levels, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, and triglycerides levels
  • Kidney function tests, including serum creatinine; blood urea nitrogen (BUN); and potassium

References

Diabetes mellitus type 2. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Accessed January 26, 2021.

Diagnosis of diabetes and prediabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/diagnosis-diabetes-prediabetes. Accessed January 26, 2021.

Glycemic control monitoring. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:  http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114088/Glycemic-control-monitoring . Accessed January 26, 2021.

Rosenbloom AL, Silverstein JH, Amemiya S, et al. ISPAD clinical practice consensus guideline 2006-2007. Type 2 diabetes mellitus in the child and adolescent. Pediatr Diabetes. 2008;9(5):512-526.

Rosenzweig JL, Ferrannini E, Grundy SM, et al. Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in patients at metabolic risk: an endocrine society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008;93(10):3671-3689.

US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med. 2008;148(11):846-854.

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