Type 2 Diabetes: Living With the Disease-Exams and Tests

Type 2 Diabetes: Living With the Disease - Exams and Tests

See your doctor about every 3 to 6 months to:

Check your blood sugar levels since your last visit and see if your treatment needs to be changed.
Check your blood pressure and start or adjust treatment if it's high.
Check your feet for signs of problems.
Have a hemoglobin A1c test . This test shows how steady your blood sugar levels have been over time. And it can show high blood sugar at times when you might not normally be checking, such as after meals and overnight. With this information, your doctor will know how well your treatment for type 2 diabetes is working.

Have these exams and tests every year:

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An eye exam. It should be done by an ophthalmologist or qualified optometrist. Some doctors may recommend getting eye exams less often if you have no signs of diabetic retinopathy.
A fasting cholesterol and triglyceride test. If your levels are normal, you may be tested every 2 years.
A urine test for protein. This test helps find and keep track of kidney problems (diabetic nephropathy).

As needed, you may have a blood glucose test. During this test, you'll be able to check your blood sugar meter to find out if your home blood sugar tests are reliable. This test may also be done if your doctor adjusts your diabetes medicine.

You can print out a list of tests to monitor diabetes to help you remember what to do and when.

Eye exams during pregnancy

If you get pregnant, you will need to have an eye exam sometime during the first 3 months. You'll also need close follow-up during your pregnancy and for 1 year after you have your baby. Pregnancy increases your risk for diabetic retinopathy.¹ If you already have eye disease and get pregnant, the disease can quickly get worse.

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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