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How to Detect Diabetes?

Diabetes can be detected through various diagnostic tests, including fasting plasma glucose, HbA1C, and oral glucose tolerance tests. These tests help identify both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, along with prediabetes and gestational diabetes, based on specific blood sugar level criteria.

  • 07 Oct 2024
  • 3 min read
  • 87 views

Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a chronic disease that impacts how the blood sugar in our body gets utilised. There are two main types of this condition, depending on the cause: type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when less or no insulin is secreted by the pancreas because the immune system attacks and kills the islet cells of the gland. In type 2 diabetes, either the pancreas doesn't make enough insulin or the cells do not utilise the insulin well. In both types, the blood sugar level of the body increases. Let us learn about diabetes diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Diabetes

The doctor may recommend different tests to diagnose diabetes The tests are:

  • Fasting plasma glucose test:

    The fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test measures the blood glucose level after a person has gone fasting for at least 8 hours. This can detect diabetes or pre-diabetes.
  • Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test:

    The A1C test also known as hemoglobin A1C, HbA1C, glycated haemoglobin, or glycohaemoglobin test is a blood test that provides average levels of blood glucose over the last 3 months in a person's blood sample. This test can be done without fasting. This test is done to diagnose pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. The result of the A1C test is reported in the form of percentages such as A1C of 8%
  • Random plasma glucose test:

    In a random plasma glucose test, the blood sugar level is tested irrespective of when the person had the last meal. The test result along with symptoms is used to diagnose diabetes. Prediabetes cannot be determined.
  • Glucose challenge test or one-hour glucose tolerance test:

    This test is recommended for testing gestational diabetes. A medical lab technician will draw a sample of a patient's blood 1 hour after giving her a sugary drink to consume. In case the reading of blood glucose level is too high i.e., 140 mg/dL to 190 mg/dL, then a person may need a three-hour glucose tolerance test.
  • Oral glucose tolerance test:

    The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is performed to detect type 2 diabetes. A modified version of this is used to check gestational diabetes. This test measures the body's response to glucose. A person needs to fast for at least 8 hours and then a blood sample is withdrawn to measure the fasting glucose level. For type 2 testing, the person will be then given a glucose solution to drink and the sugar level will be measured again after 2 hours. In the case of pregnant women, the second blood glucose test is done every hour for 2 to 3 hours.

diabetes diagnostic criteria include

  • A fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dl or
  • A 2-hour plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dl or
  • Random plasma glucose ≥ 200 mg/dl or
  • HbA1c ≥ 6.5%

Conclusion

People with type-1 and type-2 diabetes have an increased risk of getting other health complications like cardiovascular diseases, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, etc. It is always recommended to monitor diabetes very closely if a person has any of the diabetes types. Regular workouts and a healthy diet can help a diabetic person manage blood sugar levels. The individual may also need injectable insulin or an insulin pump to manage this condition. We can get a diabetes health insurance plan that covers all the complications associated with this condition like strokes, kidney disease, loss of vision, and limb amputation.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.

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