Testing for Type 2 Diabetes in Children

**Kinds and frequency of tests and examinations for type 2 diabetes** ³
Frequency	Exams and tests
Every 3-6 months	Have a medical checkup to review blood sugar levels since the last checkup and evaluate whether your child's treatment plan needs to be changed. Bring your child's home blood sugar records to this appointment. Keep a record with notes of special issues such as changes in diet, in activity, and when your child has low blood sugar problems. Bring this record to the appointment too. During each visit, the doctor will check your child's blood pressure. Have a hemoglobin A1c or similar blood test (glycosylated hemoglobin or glycohemoglobin) to estimate your child's average blood sugar level over the previous 2 to 3 months. This test may be done every 3 to 6 months. Your child may need to have a blood sugar test (blood glucose test). If so, you may want to run a home blood sugar test when your doctor draws blood for the test. This is a good way to check the accuracy of your home meter.
Every 6 months	Have a dental exam to check for gum problems.
Every year	See an eye specialist (an ophthalmologist or an optometrist) for an exam. If your child is at low risk for vision problems, your doctor may consider follow-up exams every 2 years. Have a screening test for kidney function. Urine tests look for the amount of protein in the urine (proteinuria), an indicator of kidney damage. Typically, you give a single urine sample, to test for an albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Your child may need a thorough medical examination of his or her feet at least once a year. Yearly foot exams are recommended for all people with diabetes. And it may help your child understand the importance of proper foot care.⁴
At the time of diagnosis and as needed	Have a cholesterol and triglyceride level test to see whether diabetes may be raising the cholesterol level in your child's bloodstream. Have liver enzymes tested to see whether diabetes and obesity may be harming liver function.

Answer:

Low
0-69

Normal
70-130

High
131+

Your level is currently

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.

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 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.