Diabetes Tests

Diabetes , also known as diabetes mellitus, is a disease that affects how your body uses glucose ( blood sugar ).

Diabetes , also known as diabetes mellitus, is a disease that affects how your body uses glucose ( blood sugar ). Glucose is your body's main source of energy. A hormone (a chemical messenger in your bloodstream that controls the actions of certain cells or organs) called insulin helps move glucose from your bloodstream into your cells. If you have diabetes, your body can't make insulin or can't use it as well as it should, or both. Too much glucose stays in your blood and doesn't reach your cells. This can cause glucose levels to get too high , which can lead to serious health conditions . These may include heart disease , nerve damage , eye problems , and kidney disease . Your blood glucose can also drop below what is healthy for you . If it drops very low, you could lose consciousness or have a seizure . Diabetes tests most often measure glucose levels in your blood to monitor your blood glucose level or see if you have or are at risk for diabetes. Urine tests for diabetes are not used as much since they are not as accurate, and you would need a blood test to diagnose diabetes. Other names: blood glucose, fasting plasma glucose, FPG, oral glucose tolerance test, OGTT, glucose screening test, glucose in urine test, hemoglobin A1c, random blood sugar, blood sugar, fasting blood sugar (FBS)

Why is this test ordered? You may need testing to monitor your blood glucose level or if you have symptoms of diabetes, such as: Increased thirst Frequent urination Increased hunger Fatigue Blurred vision Unexplained weight loss Sores that are slow to heal Numbness or tingling in your feet Symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually come on quickly and can be severe. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes often develop slowly, even over years. Gestational diabetes doesn't usually cause symptoms in the early stages of your pregnancy, but you will most likely be screened for the condition between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. If testing shows your glucose levels are too high, you will be tested again to confirm the diagnosis. You may also need testing if you have certain risk factors for type 2 diabetes. You may be at higher risk for developing it if you: Are over 35 years old. The American Diabetes Association recommends diabetes screening for prediabetes and diabetes beginning at age 35 years and older. Have prediabetes. Are overweight or have obesity. Have a family history of diabetes. Have high blood pressure or heart disease . Previously had gestational diabetes. Exercise less than three times a week. Have metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Are an African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or an Alaska Native.