Diabetes - Type 2

Diabetes is diagnosed through various lab tests, the chief one remaining a Fasting Blood Sugar. Fasting Blood Glucose is a simple blood test, after not having anything by mouth for 12 hours prior to test (that includes coffee, but does not include water). Usually, if you have a fasting blood sugar over 126, you may have diabetes. Many things can affect your blood sugar, besides diabetes, so a doctor should always be involved in this determination. For instance, chronic infections and medications may both elevate your blood sugar.

The fasting blood glucose test is the preferred test for diagnosing diabetes in children and nonpregnant adults. It is most reliable when done in the morning. However, a diagnosis of diabetes can be made based on any of the following test results, confirmed by retesting on a different day:

A blood glucose level of 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or more after an 8-hour fast. This test is called the fasting blood glucose test.

What kind of diabetes do you have?
People can get diabetes at any age. There are three main kinds. Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. With this form of diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body�s immune system has attacked and destroyed them. Treatment for type 1 diabetes includes taking insulin, making wise food choices, being physically active, taking aspirin daily (for some), and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.

Should I be tested for diabetes?
Anyone 45 years old or older should consider getting tested for diabetes. If you are 45 or older and overweight (see BMI chart), getting tested is strongly recommended. If you are younger than 45, overweight, and have one or more of the risk factors on page 5, you should consider testing. Ask your doctor for a fasting blood glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test. Your doctor will tell you if you have normal blood glucose, pre-diabetes, or diabetes.