How is type 1 diabetes diagnosed?
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The most common way to diagnose diabetes in children and non-pregnant adults is through blood tests. These tests measure milligrams of blood sugar per deciliter, which is expressed by mg/dL. One test, the fasting blood glucose test, is usually performed after an eight-hour fast. If this test reveals a blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher, diabetes is present. A random blood glucose test, taken at any time of the day, indicating a blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher also confirms diabetes, especially when accompanied by symptoms. Another test, called the oral glucose tolerance test, which is conducted two hours after drinking 75 grams of glucose dissolved in water, that results in a blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher is an indication of diabetes.
Medical experts now recommend a newer test, the glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test, to diagnose type 1 diabetes. The A1C test will measure average blood sugar level over a longer period of time. Certain conditions such as pregnancy can make these tests unreliable, so it is important to ask your doctor about which test is the right one for you.
The most common way to diagnose diabetes in children and non-pregnant adults is through blood tests. These tests measure milligrams of blood sugar per deciliter, which is expressed by mg/dL. One test, the fasting blood glucose test, is usually... More -
American Diabetes Association answered:Type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed based on:
- a blood glucose level of 200 mg/dl or above at any time of the day without regard to the time of the last meal
- a blood glucose level of 126 mg/dl or above after no food or drink for at least 8 hours
Type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed based on: - a blood glucose level of 200 mg/dl or above at any time of the day without regard to the time of the last meal - a blood glucose level of 126 mg/dl or above after no food or drink for at least 8... More -
Healthwise answered:Some people--especially children, teenagers and young adults--are not diagnosed with type 1 diabetes until they are admitted to a hospital for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This life-threatening condition occurs when ketones, or fatty acids, are produced as the body burns fat and muscle instead of glucose for fuel. DKA develops in people who have type 1 diabetes (and some people who have type 2 diabetes) when their blood sugar is very high. During hospitalization, people with DKA are watched closely and receive tests to measure the levels of electrolytes and sugar (glucose) in their blood.
If a person is not in ketoacidosis, the American Diabetes Association's criteria for symptoms, a medical history, a physical exam, and blood tests are used to diagnose type 1 diabetes. These blood tests include:
- Hemoglobin A1c, a test that estimates your blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months.
- Blood glucose test, a test that measures your blood sugar. This test is done preferably after fasting, but it can be done at any time, even if you have recently eaten.
Other tests that may suggest diabetes
You may need a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test when type 1 diabetes is diagnosed and then every 1 to 2 years. This test checks for thyroid problems, which are common among people with diabetes. Neither a home blood sugar test nor a urine test for sugar is recommended to screen for or diagnose diabetes.
Early detection
Screening for type 1 diabetes is not recommended by the American Diabetes Association. Such screening would include testing everyone for islet cell antibodies. This test can show if a person is more likely to get type 1 diabetes.
People who are found to have islet cell antibodies may be able to participate in studies about preventing type 1 diabetes. These people need to be referred to a medical center conducting a type 1 diabetes prevention study.
Some people--especially children, teenagers and young adults--are not diagnosed with type 1 diabetes until they are admitted to a hospital for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This life-threatening condition occurs when ketones, or fatty acids, are... More -
Type 1 diabetes is commonly diagnosed after a person has started to notice signs of diabetes and may not be diagnosed until he has become ill enough to need hospitalization.
Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, increased hunger, increased frequency of urination, fatigue, and unintentional weight loss. Occasionally these symptoms are not recognized by patients or parents until the diabetes is severe enough that a hospital stay is required for treatment.
Diagnosis is based on elevated blood sugars, hemoglobin A1c (a three-month measure of average blood sugar), and tests for auto-antibodies (antibodies made by a person that attack his own body). Although type 1 diabetes is thought of as a disease of children, in reality it can be diagnosed anytime from childhood through adulthood.Type 1 diabetes is commonly diagnosed after a person has started to notice signs of diabetes and may not be diagnosed until he has become ill enough to need hospitalization.Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, increased hunger, increased... More
