What should I know about diabetes testing?

Detection of diabetes as early as possible will help reduce the complications associated with the disease. Clinical studies have shown that regular testing of known diabetics reduces complications, thus prolonging lives. Today, there are many new tests which have been recognized to provide better care to diabetes patients. Talk to your primary care physician about which tests are best for you.

Initial Diagnosis
A physician performs initial testing for diabetes by taking a blood sample after the patient has fasted overnight. If the test is positive, it will be repeated on another day. Once diagnosed, people with diabetes can also measure their blood sugar at home after consulting a doctor.

What tests should I ask my doctor about?

Fasting Blood Glucose
This indicates your blood glucose level at a particular time. This is usually the first test your doctor performs, and he may perform it at every office visit.

Fructosamine
This indicates your average glucose level over the previous 2 to 3 weeks. This test is particularly useful when changes are made in the diabetes treatment plan; for determining a change in glucose levels; to indicate whether other changes should be considered; and in patients with gestational diabetes.

Hemoglobin A1c
This test indicates the average blood glucose level over the previous 12 weeks. This test is recommended by the American Diabetes Association as the test for long term glucose control. It is the one test used most often for monitoring diabetics. This test is usually performed every 3 months, but may be performed more often, if needed.

Microalbumin
This test detects small amounts of albumin (protein) in urine, which may be an early sign of kidney damage. Finding this out early can result in better patient care and management. This test is usually performed every 3 months, but may be performed more frequently at the discretion of your physician.