Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases worldwide. Numbers are expected to double in the next 20 years. Many people suffering from diabetes are not aware of their condition. Symptoms of diabetes could go for years before people become aware of their illness. Patients in poor countries who suffer from diabetes are at the most risks because an affordable way of detecting diabetes at its early stages is financially out of reach. Attitudes towards health and lifestyle have also greatly increased the occurrence of diabetes.
The most widely used method of checking for diabetes in through blood glucose tests. Blood glucose levels are checked and if levels are above normal further tests are taken to confirm a finding of diabetes. Below is some of the most common test to detect blood glucose levels.
Fasting Blood Glucose Test
The best and most convenient way of taking blood glucose test the fast blood glucose test is the most popular way of determining blood glucose levels. This is done by asking the patient to refrain from eating for 8 hours before the test. This is usually done at bedtime when the patient is asked to fast for 8 hours. A blood sample is then taken in the morning and checked for glucose levels. If a person is found to have less than 100 milligrams per deciliter then this would mean that they have normal levels and negative for diabetes. If they are levels between 100 to 126 milligrams per deciliters then they are diagnosed with pre-diabetes. A finding of 126 milligrams per deciliter or above for such test and when another test is taken on two different days means a positive diagnosis for diabetes.
Random (Non-Fasting) Blood Glucose Test
Classic symptoms of thirst, urination or fatigue are experienced by the patient this might signal the onset of disease. A blood sample is taken from a patient and is then measured for blood glucose levels. If it is determined to be 200 milligrams per deciliter or above a person is probably suffering from diabetes. Another test is taken by letting the patient take the glucose tolerance test and if found to have high levels of glucose in the blood a person is diagnosed as diabetic.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
Not commonly used nowadays Oral Glucose Tolerance Tests are done mostly for pregnant women. This is a test to determine if a pregnant woman is suffering from gestational diabetes or pregnancy induced diabetes.
If you are a person suffering from severe bouts of thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight gain or loss, increased hunger or a tingling sensation on your hands or feet you might be suffering from diabetes. Diabetes blood test is safe and can easily determine if you are suffering from diabetes. A quick visit from your doctor may help you stop the progress of the disease and help you live a healthier life.
Visit Just About Diabetes to learn more about diabetes cures and diabetes blood tests.
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