If you notice any signs or symptoms of Type 2 diabetes, however subtle they are, make it a priority to fix an appointment with your physician. We say subtle as many don’t experience noticeable symptoms in the earlier stages, but prolonged spikes in blood sugar levels can cause irreparable damage to your body. So early diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes becomes important.
Type 2 Diabetes – How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will study your medical history, including any symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Family history of diabetes and other risk factors are also considered. He will perform a physical examination to assess the typical skin signs of Type 2 Diabetes, including Acanthosis Nigricans.
The study of symptoms will help your doctor to determine if a diabetic diagnosis is required. If yes, he will proceed to take the tests for Type 2 Diabetes.
Primary diagnosis tests
Here are a few Laboratory tests for Type 2 Diabetes.
1. Fasting Blood Glucose Test
This test measures your blood glucose after a typical 8 hours overnight fast. You will be asked to appear for the test early in the morning.
How to prepare for the test
- Do not eat or drink anything for atleast 8 hours before the test. Water is an exception.
- If you are taking any medications, consult your doctor as they might influence the test results
- Avoid overt exertion or alcohol for atleast 24 hours before the test
Your blood will be drawn and tested for sugar levels. The whole process will take less than 30 minutes.
Understanding the results
Normal: less than 100 mg/dL
Prediabetes: 100 – 125 mg/dL
Diabetes: greater than 125 mg/dL (on 2 individual tests)
2. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
To check the way your body responds to blood glucose throughout the day, the OGTT test is carried out. This test will help your physician to identify insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism in your body.
How to prepare for the test
- Start maintaining a balanced diet 3 days before the test. Put a temporary pause on specialised diets you might be following for weight loss/health.
- Avoid eating or drinking 8 hours before the test – you can maintain your usual water intake.
- Consult your physician before taking your usual medication in the fasting window
Your blood sugar is drawn and tested twice
- After fasting for 8 hours overnight
- Two hours after drinking a glucose-containing beverage.
Understanding the results from the 2 tests
Normal: less than 100 mg/dL- 140 mg/dL
Prediabetes: 100 – 125 mg/dL – 140-199 mg/dL
Diabetes: greater than 125 mg/dL – 200 mg/dL
3. A1C Test (Glycated Hemoglobin Test)
This test calculates the average percentage of your blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. It measures the percentage of sugar attached to the hemoglobin in your red blood cells. This test doesn’t require fasting or any diet restrictions.
Your blood will be drawn and tested for HbA1C
Understanding the results
Normal: less than 5.7%
Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
Diabetes: 6.5% or more in 2 separate tests
4. Random Blood Sugar Test
This test is carried out for a quick diagnosis. It measures blood glucose levels at any time, regardless of when the patient last ate. A random blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher, along with other symptoms of diabetes, suggests Type 2 diabetes.
Once you get a definitive Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, continuous glucose monitoring and regular follow-ups will help you manage your conditions effectively.
Advanced Tests
Once your physician gives a diabetic diagnosis, he might find it necessary to carry out some advanced tests to decide on the further course of action.
1. C-peptide Test
The C-peptide test measures the level of C-peptide, the by-product of insulin production, in your blood. This provides accurate information on your pancreatic function and how much insulin your body is producing. This will help your physician to monitor the insulin production in your body.
This test is carried out, after overnight fasting or after a meal, depending on what your physician wants to evaluate.
Understanding the results
Normal C-peptide levels – 0.3 – 3.3 ng/mL
High C-peptide levels – Indicates insulin resistance
2. Lipid Profile Test
A lipid profile test measures the levels of various types of fats in your blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. This test becomes important to assess your cardiovascular health as individuals with Type 2 Diabetes typically have abnormal lipid profiles. This in turn can increase the risk of heart diseases.
This test is carried out after an overnight fast. Your blood will be drawn and analysed. The desirable level of cholesterol is less than 200mg/dL. Regular lipid profile tests becomes imperative when you are diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, to improve health and avoid complications.
3. Urine Test
A urine test is not a primary method for diagnosing Type 2 Diabetes, but can provide valuable information about glucose control and kidney health. This test measures the level of glucose and ketones in the urine.
This is a routine urine test carried out on the midstream urine sample.
High glucose or ketones in the urine indicates uncontrolled diabetes and high levels of protein can indicate kidney damage.
4. Fructosamine Test
A1c tests are not that accurate when carried out on people who have affected hemoglobin – like in cases they have anemia, hemoglobinopathy etc
In such cases, Fructosamine Test is an alternative to A1c tests. This test measures the average levels of glucose in the blood over the past 2-3 weeks. This can help analyse short-term glucose control especially in pregnant women.
Fructosamine levels typically range from 200-285 micromoles/L.
The laboratory tests for Type 2 Diabetes help in early detection and intervention, the keys to manage and treat the condition effectively. On-time diagnosis will give you proper direction towards the reparative steps you have to take to lead a healthier life. Check out our blog on the Signs & Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes to stay informed on the initial symptoms to look out for, especially when you have a family history of Diabetes.
