Diagnosis
The only way to know for sure if you have diabetes is to get tested. The American Diabetes Association recommends that everyone over the age of 45 be tested for diabetes, or sooner if you are overweight or have other risk factors for the condition. The most common tests used to diagnose diabetes are the A1C test, the fasting plasma glucose test, and the oral glucose tolerance test.
A1C Test
The A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. It is done by taking a small sample of your blood and testing it for glucose. If your A1C level is 6.5% or higher, it means you have diabetes.
Fasting Plasma Glucose Test
This test measures your blood sugar levels after an overnight fast. If your glucose levels are higher than 126 mg/dL, it means you have diabetes.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
This test is done by drinking a sugary liquid and then measuring your blood sugar levels after two hours. If your glucose levels are higher than 200 mg/dL, it means you have diabetes.
Other Symptoms
In addition to these tests, there are some other symptoms of diabetes that you should look out for, such as frequent urination, extreme thirst, blurry vision, and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to get tested for diabetes right away.
Conclusion
The only way to know for sure if you have diabetes is to get tested. The A1C test, the fasting plasma glucose test, and the oral glucose tolerance test are the most common tests used to diagnose diabetes. In addition to these tests, there are some other symptoms of diabetes that you should look out for, such as frequent urination, extreme thirst, blurry vision, and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to get tested for diabetes right away.