Diagnosis of Pre-Diabetes and Diabetes
Pre-diabetes and diabetes can be diagnosed through a variety of blood tests, including:
Fasting Blood Glucose Test: This test measures blood glucose levels after an 8-12 hour fast. A fasting blood glucose level of 100-125 mg/dL is considered pre-diabetic, while a level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): This test measures blood glucose levels after a person fasts overnight and then drinks a sweet solution. Blood glucose levels are measured at regular intervals after drinking the solution. A 2-hour blood glucose level of 140-199 mg/dL is considered pre-diabetic, while a level of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
Hemoglobin A1C Test: This test measures the average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months by measuring the amount of glucose that has bonded to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. An A1C level of 5.7-6.4% is considered pre-diabetic, while an A1C level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.
Random Blood Glucose Test: This test measures blood glucose levels at any time, regardless of when the person last ate. A random blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher, along with symptoms of diabetes (such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision), can indicate diabetes.
It is important to note that these tests are only diagnostic tools and do not provide a definitive diagnosis of pre-diabetes or diabetes. A healthcare provider will take into consideration the results of these tests, along with a person’s symptoms and medical history, to make a definitive diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.