How to Test for Diabetes

Diabetes is a very serious condition that, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), affects over 20 million people in the United States. When a person develops diabetes, his or her body no longer produces or uses insulin correctly. A family history of diabetes and a sedentary lifestyle are factors that contribute to the growing number of diabetics. Some diabetic symptoms include frequent urination, unquenchable thirst and hunger, unusual weight loss or gain, fatigue and irritability, and blurry vision. If you, or a loved one, have any of the symptoms of diabetes, a test is in order.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Blood test
• Glucose tolerance test
• Glucose meter

How to Test for Diabetes

1. Go to your doctor for a check up. He will go over your symptoms and determine which test you should have and set everything up. The most common test performed is the FPG or fasting plasma glucose test. You should refrain from eating for 12 hours before the test. According to the ADA, anyone with a fasting blood glucose reading over 126 is considered to have diabetes. If your fasting glucose test shows between 100 and 125, you are considered pre-diabetic and should have follow up visits and make dietary and lifestyle changes.
2. Get an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) performed for a more accurate picture of your situation. With an OGTT, a person’s blood sugar is tested after fasting and 2 hours after drinking a glucose-rich beverage. If a blood sugar reading is over 200 with the OGTT, a person is said to have diabetes. A reading between 140 and 199 shows pre-diabetes. This calls for changes so you can avoid becoming diabetic.
3. Test yourself. If you’ve been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, it’s a good idea to get a glucose meter and test yourself at home frequently. Take fasting readings in the mornings and test after every meal and snack. Keep a record of the readings to show your doctor. If you see your blood sugar readings steadily going up, make an appointment with your doctor immediately. Catching and treating diabetes early is the best way to avoid deadly complications.

Tips & Warnings

• You should eat your normal diet for the 3 days preceding the OGTT; up until 8 hours before the test.
• Don’t smoke for 8 hours before a blood test
• Don’t exercise right before a glucose test because exercise can lower blood sugar readings and you won’t get an accurate account.
• Test after any new food you introduce into your diet.
• Borrow a family members meter and test.
• Never use another person’s lancet to test; always use a clean one.