Do you suspect that you have diabetes? Let's find out exactly about this Blood Glucose Test! (Blood Glucose Tests for Diabetes)

Have you been feeling unbearably thirsty lately ? Do you need to go to the bathroom frequently? Are you losing weight unexpectedly? Or are you experiencing numbness in your hands and feet? If you have these symptoms, your doctor may want you to get tested to see if you have diabetes. In fact, some people can have diabetes without having any symptoms. So today, let's talk about the blood tests that are used to diagnose diabetes.

What is Blood Sugar?

Simply put, Blood Sugar or Blood Glucose is the main fuel that gives our body energy. It's like gasoline for a car. Our body converts the carbohydrates in the food we eat into glucose (sugar), which is what provides energy to every cell in the body. Our liver also makes and stores this glucose. When we go without eating for a while, the body tries to maintain normal blood sugar levels by using the glucose stored in the liver.

Now, here the hormone insulin plays a very important role. Imagine that the cells in our body are like houses, and glucose is like a food parcel that those houses need. Insulin is like the key that opens the door to let that food parcel into the house.

So, what happens if your body doesn't produce enough insulin, or if the insulin you have doesn't work properly (the doors can't open)? Those food parcels (glucose) can't get into the cells, and they accumulate in the blood vessels. That's what we call high blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) .

If blood sugar levels remain high for a long time without treatment, it can damage our nerves, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and heart. That's why it's important to detect it early.

What are the main blood tests used to diagnose diabetes?

There are several types of tests that doctors use to determine if you have diabetes. Some require you to fast the night before, while others do not. Your doctor will choose the most appropriate test based on your symptoms and condition.

1. Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test

This is the most commonly performed test.

• How it's done: You shouldn't eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before the test (a little water is fine). So this test is usually done in the morning. A small sample of blood is taken from a vein in your arm and tested in a lab.
• Let's understand the results:
• 99 mg/dL or less: Normal level
• If it is between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL: Prediabetes. This means a high-risk condition.
• If 126 mg/dL or higher (on two different days): Diagnosed as Diabetes.

2. Casual or Random Plasma Glucose Test

This is a quick test done in an emergency or for someone with severe symptoms.

• How it's done: You don't need to fast for this. A blood sample is taken at any time of the day and tested.
• Let's understand the results: If your blood sugar level is 200 mg/dL or higher , and you have symptoms of diabetes, it's highly likely that you have diabetes. Your doctor will do another test to confirm.

3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

This test measures how well your body can control blood sugar. It is also used to detect gestational diabetes.

• How it's done: First, a fasting blood sample is taken. Then you're given a sugary drink. Then another blood sample is taken one hour and two hours later.
• Let's understand the results: If your sugar level is 200 mg/dL or higher after two hours, it is diagnosed as diabetes.

4. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test

This is a very important test.

• How it's done: This doesn't just look at your blood sugar levels on a single day. It looks at your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months . You don't need to fast for this.
• Let's understand the results:
• If less than 5.7%: Normal level
• If between 5.7% and 6.4%: Prediabetes
• If 6.5% or higher (on two different days): Diabetes

The table below provides a clearer understanding of these tests.

Do children get diabetes too?

Yes, children can get diabetes too. There are two main types.

• Type 1 Diabetes: This is when the body stops producing insulin completely. It can develop at any age, but is most common in children and young adults. They must take daily insulin injections to survive. Symptoms come on suddenly (such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and extreme fatigue).
• Type 2 Diabetes: This is when the body produces insulin, but cannot use it properly. This condition is often associated with being overweight or obese . Some children may have it without any symptoms. It is sometimes discovered incidentally during a blood or urine test done for another reason.

If you think your child is at risk for diabetes, talk to your doctor about it. If detected early, diabetes can be prevented by making changes to your diet and exercise routine.

What to do after being diagnosed with diabetes? Should you be afraid?

Don't panic. Diabetes is a condition that you can manage well and live a healthy life. The key is to control your blood sugar levels. Here are some things that can help:

1. Diet: Eat a balanced diet. Avoid sugary drinks (unless you are on a low-carb diet). Learn to count carbohydrates and eat in moderation.

2. Exercise: Regular exercise improves the way your body uses insulin. Talk to your doctor about an exercise plan that's right for you.

3. Medication: Take the medication prescribed by the doctor exactly and on time. If there is any problem, tell the doctor about it.

4. Stress: Stress can also cause blood sugar levels to rise. So keep your mind calm and engage in a hobby you enjoy.

5. Check your blood sugar levels regularly: Your doctor will teach you how to check your blood sugar levels at home. You can use a glucose meter to take a small drop of blood from your finger and check your blood sugar. This will help you know if your blood sugar levels are high (hyperglycemia) or low (hypoglycemia) and help you manage your diet and medications accordingly.