You will have various symptoms if you suffer from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Even if you have some of those symptoms, you will need to see a medical expert to receive a diagnosis. Only a doctor can diagnose you with this serious medical condition. There are 3 tests that doctors can conduct to determine if you have diabetes. Once you receive testing, your doctor will explain the treatment options available to you.

Symptoms

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Routine Examinations

When you see your doctor, he will perform a medical examination. This is a routine test that will help determine if your blood sugar levels are elevated. If your blood glucose level is elevated, your physician will conduct 1 of the 3 following tests.

During these exams, also known as random blood sugar tests, your blood sample is taken. Your doctor can take your blood sample at any time. If you have a blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher, diabetes is likely.

Diabetes Tests

A doctor will not diagnose you with diabetes unless you have taken the Fasting Glucose, Oral Glucose, or A1C tests.

• Fasting Glucose Test – Your blood and sugar levels are tested before you eat. You have diabetes if your level is 126 mg/dL or higher.

• Oral Glucose Test – This test requires you to drink a beverage that contains glucose. Your blood will then be checked up to 3 hours, in 30 minute intervals. If you have a glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher, within 2 hours of testing, you will be diagnosed with diabetes.

• The AlC Test – This test is simple. Your blood is tested to determine what your blood sugar levels averaged for the past 3 months. Diabetes is probable if your A1C level is 6.5 percent or higher. A doctor will typically conduct this test more than once before he makes a diagnosis.

A1C Test Alternatives

Your doctor may prefer to administer the A1C test, but there are issues that can keep her from doing so. Pregnant women are typically not given an A1C test. If you have an uncommon form of hemoglobin, you will not be able to take the A1C test. When this specific test is conducted, you cannot have conditions that will make your A1C levels inaccurate. Random blood sugar tests and fasting blood sugar tests are the preferred alternatives to an A1C test.

After the Diagnosis

Most doctors will prefer to conduct the A1C test, especially after you have been diagnosed with diabetes. Your A1C levels will continue to be tested; this allows doctors to determine if your treatment is working. If your A1C levels are elevated, the doctors can change your meal plan, regimen, or sometimes both.

Your kidney, liver, and thyroid functions are tested through urine and blood samples. These samples are also taken to test your cholesterol levels.

References

“Test and Diagnosis.” Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/type-1-diabetes/DS00329/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis. Accessed on August 22, 2013.

“Diabetes Symptoms.” Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes/DS01121/DSECTION=symptoms. Accessed on August 22, 2013.

“Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Monitoring of Diabetes.” American Heart Association. Retrieved from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Diabetes/SymptomsDiagnosisMonitoringofDiabetes/Symptoms-Diagnosis-Monitoring-of-Diabetes_UCM_002035_Article.jsp. Accessed on August 22, 2013.