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There are multiple tests to diagnose diabetes in an individual. These are generally simple blood glucose tests, but in certain cases, need specific tests. However, these tests can sometimes be confusing and puzzle the patients. Therefore, here we will decode everything you need to know about diabetes tests.
Tests For Prediabetes, Type 1 Diabetes And Type 2 Diabetes
There are different types of diabetes tests for the diagnosis of diabetes. Your doctor will have you take one or several of the following blood tests.
A1C Test
This test provides a measurement of your average blood glucose level over the previous 3 months. This test is also known as haemoglobin A1C, HbA1C, glycosylated haemoglobin, or glycated haemoglobin test. You can eat and drink prior to this test.
Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test
This provides a measurement of your blood glucose level post overnight fasting for at least 8 hours. It measures your blood sugar level at a single point in time. Fasting means going without eating or drinking anything, except intake of water.
Random Plasma Glucose (RPG) Test
At certain times, healthcare professionals use this test to accurately diagnose diabetes when there is a presence of diabetes symptoms, without the necessity to wait until you have fasted. For this test, you need not fast overnight, and the test can be carried out at any time.
Glucose Tolerance Test
This test accurately measures your blood glucose before and after you consume a liquid that has glucose as its main ingredient. You need to fast overnight before the test and have your blood drawn the next morning to measure your fasting blood glucose level. After this, you need to consume the liquid and have your blood glucose checked any time after 1-3 hours.
Type 1 Diabetes
Autoantibodies Test
If your healthcare provider suspects that you have type 1 diabetes, your blood may be additionally tested for autoantibodies, which are substances that provide an indication that your body is attacking itself. These autoantibodies are predominantly present in those with type 1 diabetes and not in those with type 2 diabetes.
Urine Test
Again, if your doctor suspects that you have type 1 diabetes, you may be asked to send a urine sample for testing. The test is carried out to detect the presence of ketones, which are produced when the body burns fat (instead of blood glucose) for energy. If ketones are abnormally high in your urine sample, it indicates that your body is not producing sufficient insulin.
Type 1 diabetes can also be diagnosed through the following tests:
- Fasting Plasma Glucose
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
- A1C
If the results of these tests are inconclusive, your doctor may order additional tests, which are mentioned below:
- C-peptide: The pancreas generates this protein besides insulin. Low levels of C-peptide in the blood indicate that the insulin levels are low.
- Insulin Autoantibodies: This test primarily checks for the presence of specific proteins that target and eventually destroy insulin.
- Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Autoantibodies: This test is used to check the presence of specific antibodies that destroy enzymes present in insulin-producing cells.
- Insulinoma-associated 2 Autoantibodies: The presence of these antibodies indicates that the body is attacking cells that produce insulin.
- Islet Cell Cytoplasmic Autoantibodies: The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation estimates that approximately 80% of individuals with type 1 diabetes possess this antibody.
- Zinc Transport 8: This test detects antibodies that target and kill insulin-producing beta cells.
A doctor will be able to come to a conclusive diagnosis after checking the results of several of these tests.
Gestational Diabetes
To diagnose gestational diabetes, blood tests are useful. Probably, you will be tested between week 24 and week 28 of your pregnancy. If your chances of developing gestational diabetes is higher (because of additional risk factors), your doctor could test you earlier. If your blood sugar level is abnormally high during early pregnancy, it may indicate that you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and not gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is diagnosed through the following 2 tests:
- Glucose Screening Test
- Glucose Tolerance Test
Home Testing
Blood sugar tests can be carried out by individuals themselves at their homes. Home testing kits can accurately measure blood sugar. Specific components in the kits can vary; however, most include:
- Lancets to prick the finger
- Test strips to collect blood
- A machine known as a glucometer that carries out an evaluation of the sample and provides a reading
This is one of the many diabetes tests for diagnosis. Your doctor will inform you about the target blood glucose levels, and they will also offer an explanation as to which results need medical attention.
The Final Word
Diabetes tests and diagnosis have come a long way. If your test results indicate that you have type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, talk to your doctor about coming up with a detailed treatment plan, including diabetes self-management education and other support services. In addition, you need to be aware of the steps that you can undertake to be fit and healthy.
