SCREENING &
TESTING DIABETES
Doctor may test for diabetes if one has symptoms
such as thirst, frequent urination, bladder infection, or
vaginal yeast infection. Doctor will measure blood
glucose level, and if it is 200 milligrams per deciliter
(mg/dl) or higher, then you have diabetes and no further
testing is necessary. If your glucose level is less than
200 mg/dl, then additional tests may be
necessary.
Screening for
Diabetes
-
Start screening at the age of
forty five. If the test is normal, repeat every
three years.
-
Screen adults younger than
forty five if they are overweight and have one or
more of the following risk
factors:
-
Have a parent, sibling,
or child with diabetes
-
Are physically
inactive
-
Belong to an ethnic
group in which there is higher risk for
diabetes
-
Had diabetes during
pregnancy.
-
Blood pressure readings
are 140/90 or higher
-
Have an abnormal lipid
profile with a low level of HDL cholesterol
(less than 35 mg/dl) and/or a high level of
triglycerides (more than 250
mg/dl)
-
Have a medical
condition called polycystic ovary
syndrome.
-
Have had previous blood
glucose testing that indicated the presence
of pre-diabetes.
-
Have circulatory
problems.
There are two screening tests for diabetes, and either is
acceptable:
-
A fasting glucose level after
an overnight fast
-
An oral glucose tolerance test
(OGTT), in which you drink 75 grams of glucose
after an overnight fast and your glucose level is
measured two hours later
The doctors use the fasting glucose test because it is easier
to do. If the fasting glucose level is abnormal, but not
squarely in the diabetes range, your doctor may go on to do an
OGTT.
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