Symptoms of Diabetes
The most common symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue, weight loss, blurry vision, and slow healing wounds. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with your doctor to get tested for diabetes.
Testing for Diabetes
There are two main ways to test for diabetes: a fasting blood sugar test and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Both tests measure the amount of glucose in your blood after an 8-hour fast. A fasting blood sugar test is often done first and if the results are abnormal, an OGTT may be ordered.
Fasting Blood Sugar Test
A fasting blood sugar test measures your blood sugar level after you have not eaten for 8 hours. To prepare for this test, you should not eat or drink anything but water for 8 hours prior to the test. The results of this test will be considered normal if the level is between 70 and 99 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). If the level is higher than 126 mg/dl, then it’s considered to be in the diabetic range.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
An oral glucose tolerance test measures your blood sugar levels after you have fasted for 8 hours and then again after you have consumed a sugary drink. Your blood sugar will be tested before you consume the drink, 1 hour after you consume the drink, 2 hours after you consume the drink and 3 hours after you consume the drink. To prepare for this test, you should not eat or drink anything but water for 8 hours prior to the test. The results of this test will be considered normal if the levels are below 140 mg/dl after 1, 2, and 3 hours. If the level is higher than 200 mg/dl after 1, 2, or 3 hours, then it’s considered to be in the diabetic range.
Self Testing for Diabetes
If you are concerned that you may have diabetes, you can purchase a blood glucose meter and test strips to monitor your blood sugar levels. This type of self-testing is not a substitute for medical testing but can be used to help you manage your diabetes. You should speak with your doctor for more information about self-testing for diabetes.