Important Tests for Type 2 Diabetes
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Diabetes Mellitus, popularly known as diabetes is one of the most widespread chronic diseases that affect approximately 62 million individuals in India alone. Diabetes occurs when the blood sugar levels becomes higher than normal. There are two main types of diabetes – Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in which you develop high blood glucose levels because your pancreas don’t make enough insulin or the cells in your body don’t use the insulin properly. The best way to diagnose and control diabetes is by running regular tests for type 2 diabetes.
Tests and Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes
In most cases, the symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop gradually. Therefore, blood tests are the best and most reliable way to confirm the diagnosis. These tests measure the amount of glucose or sugar in your blood.
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Glycated Hemoglobin (A1C) Test: This
is a long-term measure for diagnosis and management of diabetes. This test allows the doctor to find out your average blood sugar level for the past few months. This test functions by measuring the percentage of blood sugar that is attached to hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an oxygencarrying protein that is present in the red blood cells. The higher the mount of glycated hemoglobin, the higher your blood sugarlevels have been in recent times. Although, the A1C test is not as sensitive as the fasting blood sugar and random blood sugar tests, but its advantage lies in its convenience. There is no special preparation for this test. You won’t need to fast before the test and the blood sample can be taken at any time of the day. Physical or emotional stress and illness does not have any impact on the test results. The blood sample is sent to a lab for testing. The results of the test take longer than any other glucose test. If you are diagnosed with diabetes then the A1C test should be done several times a year. Healthcheckup.com
Fasting Plasma Glucose Test:
The fasting Plasma Glucose Test is popularly known as the fasting blood sugar. It is a common test for diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and it is easy to perform. For this test, a sample of your blood is taken after an overnight fast. This diabetes test measures the amount of sugar in your blood at a certain point in time. The results of the test may be affected by stress or illness. This test is applicable for pregnant women or people who have a hemoglobin variant, because in such cases the A1C test is not valid. Results of the Fasting Plasma Glucose Test: Blood glucose values are expressed in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Fasting blood sugar of 126 mg/dL or higher = Diabetes Fasting blood sugar of 100 to 125 mg/dL = Prediabetes Fasting blood sugar less than 100 mg/dL = Normal
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2-Hour Post-Prandial Blood Glucose Test The term “Prandial” means meal. A 2-Hour Post Prandial test measures the blood glucose level precisely 2 hours after the start of a meal. This diabetes test may be done for the diagnosis of diabetes and to check how the treatment for diabetes is working. Steps to prepare for the 2-Hour Post-Prandial Blood Glucose Test: There are 2 ways to prepare for this particular blood sugar test: 1) To eat a normal meal that must be completed within 15 to 20 minutes. OR 2) To drink a 75-gram bottle of a glucose drink specified by the doctor. This drink should be finished within 20 minutes. Results of the 2-hour postprandial test: Blood sugar of 145 mg/dL or higher = Diabetes Blood sugar between 70 and 145 mg/dL = Normal
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Source: http://healthcheckup.com/blog/diabetes/tests-f or-type-2-diabetes/
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