How to Diagnose Type II Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the levels of glucose in the blood (blood sugar) are too high. The two main types of diabetes are type 1 (formerly known as juvenile diabetes) and type II (formerly known as adult-onset diabetes). Type II can develop at any age, but usually can be managed with diet. Type I is insulin-dependent. There are different tests used to diagnose type II diabetes.

Instructions

Tests

• 1

  The fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) measures glucose levels in a person who has been fasting for at least 8 hours.

• 2

  The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) measures glucose levels and is done after a patient has been fasting for at least 8 hours and then again 2 hours later, after he has had a beverage containing glucose.

• 3

  The random plasma glucose test (a.k.a. casual plasma glucose test) is done without regard to how long it has been since a patient last ate food. It also measures blood glucose, but is checked against certain symptoms, such as increased urination, increased thirst and unexplained weight loss.

• 4

  Hemoglobin A1c is tested several times a year and measures the average amount of glucose that was present in the blood within the past 2 or 3 months.

• 5

  Body mass index (BMI) is calculated using a person's height and weight. A patient's BMI is a factor taken into consideration if a she is already insulin-resistant, because a high BMI increases the risk of developing type II diabetes.