Groundbreaking Research Provides Fresh Insights into Diabetes Contro
Why Get Tested
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Early Detection: Identifying diabetes early can help you manage it better and reduce the risk of complications.
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Prevention: If you’re at risk, testing can help catch prediabetes, allowing you to make lifestyle changes to prevent full-blown diabetes.
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Management: If you’re already diagnosed, regular testing helps track your blood sugar levels and adjust treatment as needed.
When to Get Tested
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Routine Screening:
Adults: If you’re over 45, it’s a good idea to get tested every 3 years, especially if you’re overweight or have other risk factors.
Younger Adults: If you’re under 45 but have risk factors like obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or a family history of diabetes, you might need testing earlier.
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Pregnant Women:
Early Screening: If you’re at high risk for gestational diabetes (e.g., you’re overweight, have a family history, or had it in a previous pregnancy), you might be tested earlier.
Routine Screening: Typically, gestational diabetes screening is done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
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Symptoms:
If you have symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, or blurred vision, get tested right away.
Types of Tests
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Fasting Blood Sugar Test:
What It Is: Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast.
Normal Level: Less than 100 mg/dL.
Prediabetes: 100-125 mg/dL.
Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher.
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Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT):
What It Is: Measures blood sugar before and 2 hours after drinking a sugary solution.
Normal Level: Less than 140 mg/dL after 2 hours.
Prediabetes: 140-199 mg/dL after 2 hours
Diabetes is indicated by a blood sugar of 200 mg/dL or more two hours after a glucose test.
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Hemoglobin A1c Test:
What It Is: Reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.
Normal Level: Less than 5.7%.
Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%.
Diabetes: 6.5% or higher.
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Random Blood Sugar Test:
What It Is: Measures blood sugar at any time, regardless of when you last ate.
Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher, along with symptoms.
Tests for Gestational Diabetes
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Initial Screening:
Glucose Challenge Test: A preliminary test where you drink a sugary liquid, and your blood is tested after 1 hour. If the result is high, further testing is needed.
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Confirmatory Testing:
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): If the initial screening is abnormal, this test measures blood sugar at fasting and then at intervals after consuming a sugary drink
After a Diagnosis
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Follow-Up:
Regular Monitoring: Depending on your diagnosis, you’ll need regular tests to monitor your blood sugar levels.
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Lifestyle Changes: Adjustments in diet, exercise, and sometimes medication will be recommended.
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Education and Support:
Diabetes Management: You’ll get advice on managing diabetes, including monitoring blood sugar, understanding your medication, and making lifestyle changes
Where to Get Tested for Diabetes
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Primary Care Physician:
Your doctor can order tests and interpret the results.
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Specialty Clinics:
Endocrinologists or diabetes clinics specialize in diabetes care.
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Laboratories:
Many independent labs offer diabetes testing.
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Hospitals:
Hospitals may conduct tests and provide diagnostic services.
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Pregnancy Care Clinics:
If you’re pregnant, your obstetrician or midwife will arrange gestational diabetes testing.
Innovative Scientific Advancement Transforms Diabetes Treatment