TAGS
Overview
Blood glucose levels are used to diagnose or monitor diabetes. Several forms of diabetes exist: Type 1 diabetes, generally diagnosed in children and young adults, is characterized by the body’s inability to produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells are unable to use the insulin produced. Gestational diabetes, when present, usually develops at around 28 weeks of pregnancy due to inadequate insulin production and hormonal activity. This type of diabetes usually goes away after delivery, but is associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes later in life.
Fasting Blood Glucose
This test requires a patient to fast for at least 12 hours, after which time a blood sample is drawn. A normal fasting blood glucose level is below 100 mg/dl. Impaired fasting glucose, also known as pre-diabetes, is found at levels between 100 and 125 mg/dl. If the level is higher than 125 mg/dl, this is considered diabetes.
The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, or NDIC, defines pre-diabetes as “…blood glucose levels higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.” Many pre-diabetics will go on to develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years. However, with physical activity, weight loss and healthy diet, type 2 diabetes may be delayed or prevented.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
The oral glucose tolerance test is the most common test used. According to the American Diabetes Association, blood glucose is tested after fasting, then a second time two hours after consuming a glucose-rich drink. A normal blood glucose level two hours after drinking the glucose drink is less than 140 mg/dl. Impaired glucose tolerance, a type of pre-diabetes, is diagnosed between 140 and 199 mg/dl. Diabetes is considered 200 mg/dl or higher.
A1C Testing
.
