Unlike Type 1 Diabetes which produces symptoms that cannot be ignored, many people with Type 2 Diabetes do not notice that they have it since the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes often develop gradually and hardly be noticed.As there is no clear-cut guidelines for when to screen for diabetes, experts from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) always recommend all adults should have routine diabetes screening starting at age 45, or younger if at high risk. It is important that diabetes is diagnosed as early as possible so that the treatment can be started as fast as possible.
Blood samples drawing and glucose level within the blood measuring are the most common tests for diabetes. Testing may be done when the symptoms suggest the presence of diabetes or as a screening exam to detect unrecognized diabetes. The followings are tests available for diagnosing Type 2 Diabetes:
Random Blood Glucose
The Random Blood Glucose Test can be done at any time to measure the blood sugar levels. It is not accurate enough to diagnose diabetes, but it is indicative of diabetes if the blood sugar level of the patient is at least 200mg/dL associated with typical symptoms of diabetes. These symptoms can be “Excessive thirst”, “Frequent Urination”, “Weight loss or gain” and “Increased fatigue”.
A repeat test should be taken to confirm the results since there is a 40% risk of developing diabetes within 5 years in those people whose results indicate pre-diabetes if they do not improve their lifestyle and health.
Fasting Plasma Glucose Test
The fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test is the standard test for diabetes. A blood sample is obtained after eight hours of fasting. The blood is usually drawn in the morning before breakfast. The test can help diagnose diabetes and pre-diabetes which is a situation in which your glucose levels are high but not at a diagnostic level. According to the ADA, FPG levels are considered as normal up to 100mg/dL. Diabetes is diagnosed when the blood sugar is 126mg/dL or higher. Levels between 100mg/dL and 125mg/dL are referred to as impaired fasting glucose or pre-diabetes. These levels are considered to be risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes.
The fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test is the standard test for diabetes. A blood sample is obtained after eight hours of fasting. The blood is usually drawn in the morning before breakfast. The test can help diagnose diabetes and pre-diabetes which is a situation in which your glucose levels are high but not at a diagnostic level. According to the ADA, FPG levels are considered as normal up to 100mg/dL. Diabetes is diagnosed when the blood sugar is 126mg/dL or higher. Levels between 100mg/dL and 125mg/dL are referred to as impaired fasting glucose or pre-diabetes. These levels are considered to be risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes.
Although FPG test is the most common test used to diagnose diabetes, it is not always reliable. Therefore, a repeat test is recommended if there is presence of diabetes suggested in the initial test. People with FPG levels in high end of the normal range have a greater risk to develop Type 2 Diabetes.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is more complex than the FPG and may over-diagnose diabetes in people who do not have it. It is suggested that to take this test as a follow-up after FPG when the patients have symptoms or risk factors of diabetes with a normal result in the FPG test or other tests. A blood sample will be taken every 30 minutes for the next two hours after drinking a sweet sugary beverage containing 75mg of glucose. It is considered as normal when the OGTT level is below 140mg/dL. Diabetes is diagnosed when the OGTT levels are over 200mg/dL or higher. OGTT levels between 140mg/dL and 199mg/dL are indicated impaired glucose tolerance or pre-diabetes.
The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is more complex than the FPG and may over-diagnose diabetes in people who do not have it. It is suggested that to take this test as a follow-up after FPG when the patients have symptoms or risk factors of diabetes with a normal result in the FPG test or other tests. A blood sample will be taken every 30 minutes for the next two hours after drinking a sweet sugary beverage containing 75mg of glucose. It is considered as normal when the OGTT level is below 140mg/dL. Diabetes is diagnosed when the OGTT levels are over 200mg/dL or higher. OGTT levels between 140mg/dL and 199mg/dL are indicated impaired glucose tolerance or pre-diabetes.
The A1C Test
A1C test is another test of blood glucose test used to diagnose Type 2 Diabetes. This test is used to test for blood levels of glycosylated hemoglobin. It is not used for initial diagnosis but it is useful for determining the severity of diabetes. Some experts stated that A1C is a good indicator of the blood glucose levels and it can help predict complications in people who have FPG levels of 110mg/dL to 139mg/dL. It is recommended that people with diabetes should take the A1C test at least twice a year because it is the best measure of blood glucose control.
A1C test is another test of blood glucose test used to diagnose Type 2 Diabetes. This test is used to test for blood levels of glycosylated hemoglobin. It is not used for initial diagnosis but it is useful for determining the severity of diabetes. Some experts stated that A1C is a good indicator of the blood glucose levels and it can help predict complications in people who have FPG levels of 110mg/dL to 139mg/dL. It is recommended that people with diabetes should take the A1C test at least twice a year because it is the best measure of blood glucose control.
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ReplyDeleteTwo major factors:
ReplyDelete1) Being overweight
2) Heredity
The reason that there are more people becoming diabetic is that we eat too much! Most Americans are overweight, and the majopr cause of Type[e 2 Diabetes is being overweight.
This is a society issue. For example, One Big Mac sandwich has almost 1/2 the calories a normal person needs per day. That does NOT include the fries, cola, and apple pie! Not only is a Bag Mac full of fat (a heart attack waiting to happen) but it is FAR too many calories for one meal.
[It is NOT the preservative and additive, it is the AMOUNT that is the problem.]
And then people ALSO eat bacon, eggs, and has browns for break fast and a huge dinner!
And we also spend all day setting at office desks, with no exercise.
THAT is why we gain so much weight!
And that is why there are so many Type 2 Diabetics.
The real disturbing news is that Type 2 Diabetes, once a disease for adults, is now showing up in kids as young as 9 or 10 years olds! WHY!?!? Because instead of going outside to play baseball or ride bikes, they stay inside eating snacks and playing video games. CHIULDREN ore getting obese at the age of 9 or 10 -- and becoming diabetic.
Heredity plays a smaller role in getting diabetes. You are much more likely to get Type 2 diabetes if someone (mother, father, grandparents) have it.
Still, due to obesity, ANYONE can get diabetes at any time!