23/01/2017
DIAGNOSING DIABETES USING BLOOD TESTING
Diabetes can be diagnosed by means of blood testing early in the disease process using certain tests
However classical symptoms of diabetes will have to be confirmed by blood testing
The usual test is
FASTING BLOOD SUGAR TEST
This test is usually done first thing in the morning before having had anything to eat or drink
The fast should not exceed 10hours as beyond this time the result may not be conclusive as the liver releases glucose in response to prolong fasting
Fast blood glucose should be
Below 6mmols / l
TWO HOUR POST PRANDIAL TEST
Another blood test used is the 2 hours after food termed a post prandial meaning after food
This test should be
Under 11 mmol / l
Most of us are familiar with the
GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST
This test was in the past done over 3 hours when blood samples were taken every half hour after drinking a measured glucose dose
Today this test is still done but instead of blood taken every half hour
A sample is taken before the glucose drink then
2 hours after the glucose drink
The doctor will then interpret the results
In recent times a more specific test is the
HbA1c or GLYCOSYLATED
HAEMOGLOBIN TEST
This tests the glucose in the blood over a period of 3 months
This is based in the theory that the red blood corpuscle in our body has a life span of 90 days
Consult your family doctor for more clarification on the above tests if you suspect or have family history of diabetes.
