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.
|