Diagnosing Type 2 Diabetes

The diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can involve several tests, that are performed to measure the level of blood sugar, as diabetes is the condition characterized by an abnormal rise in blood sugar. An increase in the level of blood sugar can be caused either by an insufficient production of insulin by the beta cells of the pancreas or due to an inability of the body cells to respond to insulin hormone, i.e. insulin resistance. Diabetes caused by the insufficient production of insulin is known as type 1 diabetes, while diabetes caused by insulin resistance is known as type 2 diabetes. An increase in the level of blood sugar can manifest in several type 1 and type 2 diabetes symptoms like, increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, fatigue, frequent infections and unexplained weight loss. However, diabetes cannot be diagnosed only with the help of these symptoms.

Diagnostic Tests for Type 2 Diabetes

The body cells need insulin to absorb and utilize sugar or glucose from the bloodstream and hence, deficiency of insulin, as well as the failure of the body cells to utilize insulin can manifest in increased blood sugar levels. Therefore, its diagnosis is carried out with the help of some blood tests that measure the level of glucose in the bloodstream. There are mainly four types of blood tests, which are conducted for the diagnosis this condition. These tests are known as random blood sugar test, fasting blood sugar test, oral glucose tolerance test and glycated hemoglobin test.

Random Blood Sugar Test
This blood test measures the level of blood sugar irrespective of when the person being tested ate for the last time. In other words, a blood sample is collected randomly and then the level of blood sugar is measured. If the level of random blood sugar is 200 mg/dL (11 mmol/L) or higher than that, then it means that one has diabetes.

Fasting Blood Sugar Test
For fasting blood sugar test, the blood sample is taken after an overnight fast, or after a fasting period of at least 8 hours. The normal fasting blood sugar level should be in between 70 to 99 mg/dL. If the blood sugar level is between 100 to 125 mg/dL, then it can indicate prediabetes or a condition of impaired fasting glucose. On the other hand, if the level of blood sugar is higher than 125 mg/dL, then it suggests diabetes. In such a situation, the test is repeated again.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
Oral glucose test is one of the most effective and sensitive tests for diagnosing this condition. This test involves the collection of a blood sample after a fasting period of at least 8 hours or after an overnight fast. Then the person is given a drink containing 75 gm of glucose. After 2 hours, another blood sample is taken and the level of blood sugar is measured. If the blood sugar level is below 140 mg/dL or 7.8 mmol/L, 2 hours after drinking the glucose solution then it is normal. But, if the blood sugar level is between 140 and 199 mg/dL, then it can suggest prediabetes or a condition of impaired glucose tolerance. On the other hand, if the level of blood sugar is 200mg/dL or higher 2 hours after drinking the glucose solution, then the person is diabetic. However, for a confirmation, the test is repeated again on another day.

Glycated Hemoglobin (A1C) Test
Glycated hemoglobin test is another blood test which measures the average blood sugar level for the last two to three months. This can be done by measuring the percentage of blood sugar attached to hemoglobin, as the excess blood glucose bind with hemoglobin. If the value of A1C test is less than 6% or in between 4.9 to 5.9 %, then it is considered normal, while a value of 6 to 6.5% is indicative of prediabetes. However, this test is used more commonly for diagnosing prediabetes and for effective control and management of diabetes.

Prompt diagnosis of this condition is important. If left untreated, it can lead to several complications, some of which can be really serious.