Type 2 Diabetes-Exams and Tests

Type 2 Diabetes - Exams and Tests

If your doctor thinks that you may have diabetes, he or she will order blood tests to measure how much sugar is in your blood. The tests used are blood glucose tests and hemoglobin A1c.

To make a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, your doctor will use your blood test results and the American Diabetes Association's criteria. He or she also will ask you questions about your medical history and do a physical exam.

If your blood sugar level is above normal but below the level for diabetes, you have prediabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. For more information on prediabetes, see the topic Prediabetes.

Other tests

A home blood sugar test or a urine test for sugar is not the best way to learn whether you have diabetes. But after you are diagnosed, you may use home blood sugar tests to check your own blood sugar levels.

Along with your home blood sugar tests, your doctor will give you a hemoglobin A1c (glycohemoglobin) test after you start treatment for diabetes. This test finds your average blood sugar level over the previous 2 to 3 months. The A1c test adds to the information from your home blood sugar tests to help you keep track of your blood sugar control.

After you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, you may have a thorough exam of your cardiovascular system to check for any heart problems.

Early detection

You can use the American Diabetes Association's risk test for diabetes to see whether you are at risk for type 2 diabetes.

If you are age 45 or older, the American Diabetes Association recommends that you be tested for diabetes every 3 years.² The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends testing for diabetes in people who have blood pressure higher than 135/80.³ Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and how often you need to be tested.

The American Diabetes Association recommends that you be tested more often or begin testing at a younger age if you are overweight (have a body mass index, or BMI, of 25 or higher) and:²

Have a parent, brother, or sister who has type 2 diabetes.
Are African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander.
Have prediabetes.
Have high blood pressure.
Have high cholesterol.
Have a history of gestational diabetes or have delivered a baby who weighed 9 lb (4 kg) or more.
Are physically inactive.
Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Have a history of heart disease.

Answer:

Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia).

If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.

People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.

However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.

Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

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