Diabetes Health Center
Type 2 Diabetes - Exams and Tests
If your doctor thinks that you may have diabetes, he or she will order a couple of blood glucose tests. Blood glucose tests are blood tests that measure how much sugar is in your blood. Usually, they are done first thing in the morning, before you eat or drink anything.
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 are not the best ways 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 9lb or more.
- Are physically inactive.
- Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Have a history of heart disease.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Type 2 Diabetes Topics
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
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