Different Types of Diabetes Tests

Diabetes is a major health problem in India. Many people don't know they have diabetes until they are seriously ill. Screening for diabetes is important which helps you detect it early and avoid serious problems. This guide discusses all diabetes tests and will assist you in determining which one to purchase for yourself, your friends, and your family.

What is Type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It occurs when your body doesn't use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that transports sugar from the blood into cells, wherein cells use that sugar for energy.

If insulin doesn't work properly the sugar will remain in your blood. High blood sugar results in:

1. Heart problems: Risk of heart attack and stroke.

2. Kidney problems: Your kidneys can become weak.

3. Eye damage: This can damage your vision.

4. Nerve pain: You may feel pain or numbness and an electrical charge in your feet.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes

Diabetes can be silent at first which is why, watch out for these signs:

1. Feeling tired all the time

2. Feeling very thirsty

3. Frequent urination

4. Sudden weight loss

5. Blurry vision

If you see these indicators, it's best to be cautious and take a test.

How do you understand diabetes test results?

A diabetes test shows how much blood sugar you have. Results are organized into one of these three groups:

1. Normal: Your sugar level is fine.

• Fasting blood sugar (FBS): Less than 100 mg/dL.
• Postprandial (after meals): Less than 140 mg/dL.

2. Pre-diabetes: Your sugar is higher than normal but not enough to cause diabetes.

• Fasting blood sugar (FBS): 100–125 mg/dL.
• Postprandial (after meals): 140–199 mg/dL.
• HbA1c: 5.7% to 6.4%.

3. Diabetes: Your sugar is very high. You need treatment.

• Fasting blood sugar (FBS): 126 mg/dL or more.
• Postprandial (after meals): 200 mg/dL or more.
• HbA1c: 6.5% or higher.

Here's a simple way. To understand the results

1. Regular sugar: No problem, just check regularly.

2. Pre-diabetes: Your sugar levels increase. Start eating healthy and exercising to prevent diabetes from developing.

3. Diabetes: Your sugar is too high. See your doctor for advice and treatment.

Always talk to your doctor about your test results. They will explain what this means and help you plan your next steps.

Common diabetes tests

There are many diabetes tests available to detect the condition, each working differently to identify and monitor blood sugar levels.

1. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Test

This test involves checking your blood sugar level after not eating for 8 hours.

• Normal: less than 100 mg/dl
• Prediabetes: 100-125 mg/dL
• Diabetes: 126 mg/dl or higher

Doctors use this test to look for early signs of diabetes.

2. HbA1c test

This test shows your average blood sugar level over 2-3 months.

• Normal: less than 5.7%
• Prediabetes 5.7–6.4%
• Diabetes 6.5% or more

This is a useful test for tracking blood sugar levels over the long term.

3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

In this test, you will need to drink sugary liquids and your blood sugar will be tested several times.

• Normal: less than 140 mg/dL
• Prediabetes: 140-199 mg/dL
• Diabetes: 200 mg/dl or more

Doctors often use this test on pregnant women.

4. Random blood sugar test

• This test can be done at any time. Even after a meal
• Normal: less than 140 mg/dL
• Diabetes: 200 mg/dl or more

It is a rapid test used in emergencies or routine testing.

Tests for gestational diabetes

Diabetes can occur during pregnancy. This means that your blood sugar is very high during pregnancy which usually disappears after the baby is born. However, it is important to take steps to keep the mother and baby safe.

1. Glucose Challenge Test (GCT)

• In this test, you drink a sweet liquid. After one hour, your blood is tested.
• There is no need to fast before this test.
• If your blood sugar is above 140 mg/dL, you may need further testing.

2. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

You fast before this exam, and then you drink sweetened liquids and check the blood several times in 2-3 hours.

The sugar levels checked in this test should be as follows:

• Fasting less than 95 mg/dL
• 1 hour after drinking less than 180 mg/dL
• 2 hours after drinking, less than 155 mg/dL
• 3 hours after drinking, less than 140 mg/dL

These tests are done to ensure the health of the mother and child.

When should I get tested for diabetes?

You should be tested for diabetes if:

• You are over 40 years old.
• You are overweight or obese.
• A parent or sibling in your family has diabetes.
• During pregnancy, you have gestational diabetes.
• You have high blood pressure or cholesterol.

A new way to test for diabetes

Technology has made diabetes screening easier and better. Here's how to do it:

1. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)

• These little devices are attached to your skin.
• They test your sugar throughout the day and send the test results to your phone.
• Normal blood sugar levels should be between 80–130 mg/dL before meals and 180 mg/dL after meals.

2. Needle-free testing

A new device has been developed to monitor blood sugar levels without using a needle.

This is a good choice for people who are afraid of stabbing themselves.

3. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools

• AI helps doctors understand your sugar patterns.
• It will recommend the best treatment plan based on your sugar levels and health history.
• These technologies are especially useful for those who need to check their sugar frequently.

Want to reverse your diabetes? Book our diabetes management programme today.

After you've been diagnosed with diabetes

If you find yourself with diabetes Don't be alarmed. With these simple steps, you can manage.

1. Take medicine or insulin.

• Always follow your doctor's instructions.
• Take medicine or insulin at the right time.

2. Eat healthy

• Avoid sugary, fried, and junk food.
• Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean protein.
• Control your blood sugar levels:
• Before meals: between 80–130 mg/dL
• 2 hours after a meal, less than 180 mg/dL

3. Exercise regularly.

• Walking, yoga, or other light exercise for 30 minutes a day can lower blood sugar.
• Exercise also helps keep your weight and heart healthy.

4. Check your sugar levels

• Use a glucometer to check your sugar regularly at home.
• View your readings and share them with your doctor.

5. Think positive

• Diabetes can be managed. With proper care, you can live a long and healthy life.
• Join a support group or talk with others who have diabetes.
• When following these steps You will avoid serious complications and take control of your health.

If you want to learn more about diabetes management, check out our comprehensive guide that will help you regulate your diabetes in 2024.

Conclusion

Getting tested for diabetes is the first step in staying healthy. It helps to find problems early and take action before it's too late. Get regular health checkups. Eat healthy food and be active. Need expert help with diabetes? Visit TruePal for better advice and support.

FAQs

1. What are the three kinds of diabetes tests?

The three most popular types of diabetes tests are the A1C test, fasting blood sugar test, and random blood sugar test.

2. What signs of hyperglycemia are present?

• Having a lot of urine
• Too much thirst
• Experiencing fatigue
• Constant hunger
• Dry mouth

3. What is an appropriate HbA1c level?

For those without diabetes, the typical HbA1c level is between 4% and 5.6%. If your readings vary from 5.7% to 6.4%, you have prediabetes and are more likely to develop diabetes. Levels of 6.5% or higher indicate diabetes.

4. Is 200 blood sugar a normal level after eating?

A blood glucose level of less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) after two hours is considered healthy. Prediabetes is defined as a blood sugar level between 140 and 199 mg/dL (7.8 and 11.0 mmol/L). 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or above after two hours suggests diabetes.

5. What does the sugar in pee look like?

Sugar in urine does not necessarily show evident indications, although it might cause urine to seem hazy. High quantities of sugar in the urine may cause your pee to smell pleasant. Another indicator of glycosuria is the accumulation of dark mould in your toilet.