Diagnosing Diabetes

A diabetes diagnosis is confirmed by means of a blood test that is administered by a physician or health care provider to measure blood sugar. Blood glucose levels vary with food intake, so the timing of this test in relation to meals is important. There are a number of tests that a healthcare provider may request for someone who he or she suspects may have diabetes:

• a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) is a test in which the blood sugar measurement is taken when the person has not eaten for at least eight hours;
• the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is one in which the person being tested fasts for at least eight hours, is then given a 75 g glucose load (in the form of a very sweet drink), and the blood sugars are measured at one- and/or two-hour intervals thereafter.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, your healthcare provider will talk to you about next steps, including a treatment plan and the role of the healthcare team. The earlier diabetes is diagnosed, the sooner an affected person can take steps to manage it well and prevent or delay any complications. If left untreated or isn't managed properly, diabetes can cause many other health complications.