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Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes Test

What is pre-diabetes?

In pre-diabetes, diabetes tests show blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be characterized as diabetes. However, many people with pre-diabetes develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years. Pre-diabetes also increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. With weight loss and physical activity, people with pre-diabetes can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.

How are diabetes and pre-diabetes diagnosed?

These tests are used to diagnosis diabetes:

Fasting plasma glucose test

This diabetes test measures your blood glucose after you have not eaten for at least 8 hours. This test can detect pre-diabetes or diabetes.

Oral glucose tolerance test

This diabetes test measures your blood glucose after you have gone at least 8 hours without eating and 2 hours after you consume a special glucose-containing drink. This test can be used to diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Random plasma glucose test

Your health care provider checks your blood glucose without consideration to when you last ate a meal. This diabetes test, along with an evaluation of symptoms, can be used to diagnose diabetes, but not pre-diabetes.

Positive test results should be confirmed by repeating the fasting plasma glucose test or the oral glucose tolerance test on a different day.

What do the test results mean?

Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test

The FPG is the most convenient test for diagnosing diabetes. It is most reliable when done in the morning.

The following table shows the results and their conclusion.

* Diagnosis should be confirmed by a repeat test on another day

Results and their meaning are shown in table 1. If your fasting glucose level is 100 to 125 mg/dL, you have a form of pre-diabetes called impaired fasting glucose (IFG), that suggests you you do not have type 2 diabetes, but are more likely to develop the disease. Many people with pre-diabetes develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years if they do not alter their diet and lifestyle. A level of 126 mg/dL or above, confirmed by repeating the test on another day, means that you have diabetes.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

Researchers have found that the OGTT is a more sensitive than the FPG test for diagnosing pre-diabetes. However, it is not as convenient to administer. To take the OGTT diabetes test you must fast for at least 8 hours beforehand. Your plasma glucose is measured just before and 2 hours after you drink a beverage containing 75 grams of glucose dissolved in water. Results and what they mean are shown in table 2.

If your blood glucose level is between 140 and 199 mg/dL 2 hours after drinking the liquid, you have a form of pre-diabetes called impaired glucose tolerance or IGT, meaning that you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes but do not have it yet. A 2-hour glucose level of 200 mg/dL or above, confirmed by repeating the test on another day, means that you have diabetes.

A random blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or more, plus presence of the following symptoms, can mean that you have diabetes:

* increased urination

* increased thirst

* unexplained weight loss

Other diabetes symptoms can include:

* blurred vision

* increased hunger

* fatigue and sores that do not heal

Your health care professional will use the FPG or the OGTT diabetes test to check your blood glucose level on another day to confirm the diagnosis.

What factors increase men�s risk for type 2 diabetes?

* Age over 45

* Overweight or obesity

* A parent, sister or brother with diabetes.

* Ethnic background is African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino.

* Blood pressure of 140/90 or higher, or you have been told that you have high blood pressure.

* Cholesterol levels that are not normal. HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) 35 or lower, or triglyceride level 250 or higher.

* Sedentary lifestyle that includes exercise fewer than three times a week.

What can I do prevent type 2 diabetes?

No matter how your diabetes test results turn out, there is always something you can do to improve your health. When you eliminate the major cause of diabetes symptoms you go a long way toward protecting yourself from this life-altering disease. The biggest risk factors are overweight and too much fat and animal protein in the diet.

Begin today to implement the suggestions offered in the Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Diet. These recommendations will help you to reduce excess weight and lower your risk for type 2 diabetes symptoms. Simple lifestyle changes can help you gain energy and feel great.

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