Health Upp Types Of Diabetes Tests – Diabetes, also referred to as diabetes mellitus, is an illness that influences how the human body utilizes glucose. Glucose is the major energy source of your body. A hormone known as insulin aids in moving move glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. If you are someone who has diabetes, it means that your body cannot produce insulin or insulin doesn’t function as it should. This can trigger your glucose levels to get high, which again can cause serious health issues including heart disease, eye issues, nerve damage, and kidney problems. Diabetes tests compute glucose levels in urine or blood to check whether you are in danger of or possess diabetes.
What are the diabetes tests used for?
These tests are utilized to check for and/or identify the following:
Type 1 diabetes
If you possess type 1 diabetes, it means that your body is making little to no insulin at all. This particular condition occurs when the immune system confronts and destroys the cells that create insulin. This condition can be acquired at any age, however, it most often begins in childhood. People who have type 1 diabetes should take daily insulin doses, either by a special pump or an injection.
Type 2 diabetes
This is the common diabetes form. If you are someone who has type 2 diabetes, it means your body can still produce insulin, however, the cells don’t react well to insulin and so they cannot take up sufficient glucose easily from your blood. Type 2 diabetes might be caused by your DNA and lifestyle aspects, like being overweight or suffering from obesity. This condition often happens in adulthood however it is turning out to be common in teens and kids too.
Gestational diabetes
This particular diabetes form occurs only when someone is pregnant.
Prediabetes
This condition happens when the blood glucose levels are elevated than normal, but not as high to be regarded as diabetes. However, this condition might a person at risk for acquiring diabetes.
What happens during the test?
There are numerous ways to check for and identify diabetes. The majority of tests entail evaluating blood glucose levels.
To obtain your blood sample, a healthcare expert will draw a blood sample from your arm vein with the help of a tiny needle. Once the needle is introduced into the vein, a tiny amount of blood will be gathered into a viral or test tube. You might feel a slight sting when the expert inserts or takes out the needle. This typically takes not more than five minutes.
Types of diabetes tests
The various kinds of diabetes tests include the blood glucose test, FPG [fasting plasma glucose], OGTT [oral glucose tolerance test], glucose in urine test, random blood sugar tests and hemoglobin A1c test.
Blood glucose test
This test is also called the fasting blood glucose test. Prior to beginning the test, you will have to fast for 8 hours ahead of the test. This specific test is often utilized as an examination test for diabetes. It might be replicated to substantiate a diagnosis.
OGTT [Oral glucose tolerance test]
This particular test requires you to fast as well. When you turn up for the test, the medical expert will draw a blood sample. You will be asked to consume a sugary liquid that has glucose. Approximately after 2 hours, the expert will draw another blood sample.
Random blood sugar
This specific test can be done at any given time. You need not fast for the RBS test.
HbA1c [Hemoglobin A1c test]
The Hba1c test checks the typical glucose amount linked to hemoglobin over a period of 3 months. Hemoglobin is the section of the red blood cells that transmits oxygen from the lungs to the remaining parts of the human body. You need not fast for this particular test.
Glucose in urine test
Glucose might be measured in your urine too. Urine tests are not utilized to identify diabetes however they might show whether you are in danger of acquiring the disease. If the glucose levels in your urine are on the higher side, you will be asked to undergo a blood test to corroborate the diagnosis.
For this test, the medical practitioner might suggest the usage of an at-home test kit. It will comprise a test strip that you can hold when you pee. The test strip will alter colours to demonstrate various glucose levels.
What do the diabetes test results mean?
Depending on the test type you were asked to take, the results might show one amongst the following results.
Normal glucose levels – This indicates that you almost certainly are not in danger of or do not possess diabetes.
Prediabetes – This indicates that you possess higher than regular glucose levels and might be in danger of obtaining diabetes.
Type 1 or type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes
If the test results show that you have type 1 diabetes, you need to consult your doctor about the ways to manage your condition. There is no actual cure for this diabetes type, however, it can be controlled with frequent glucose monitoring and insulin intake.
If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, your condition might be managed or overturned by taking diabetes medications and making lifestyle alterations. They include losing weight, consuming a healthy diet, and increasing physical exercise.
If the results show that you have gestational diabetes, you can lower your glucose levels by consuming a healthy diet and indulging in regular exercise. However, you must consult your doctor about the treatment alternatives. Usually, this diabetes type ceases to exist after you give birth.