How to Diagnose Type II Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the levels of glucose in the blood (blood sugar) are too high. The two main types of diabetes are type 1 (formerly known as juvenile diabetes) and type II (formerly known as adult-onset diabetes). Type II can develop at any age, but usually can be managed with diet. Type I is insulin-dependent. There are different tests used to diagnose type II diabetes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Tests

1. The fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) measures glucose levels in a person who has been fasting for at least 8 hours.

2. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) measures glucose levels and is done after a patient has been fasting for at least 8 hours and then again 2 hours later, after he has had a beverage containing glucose.

3. The random plasma glucose test (a.k.a. casual plasma glucose test) is done without regard to how long it has been since a patient last ate food. It also measures blood glucose, but is checked against certain symptoms, such as increased urination, increased thirst and unexplained weight loss.

4. Hemoglobin A1c is tested several times a year and measures the average amount of glucose that was present in the blood within the past 2 or 3 months.

5. Body mass index (BMI) is calculated using a person's height and weight. A patient's BMI is a factor taken into consideration if a she is already insulin-resistant, because a high BMI increases the risk of developing type II diabetes.

References

• National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
• Lab Tests Online

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