Diabetes mellitus: how to recognize the disease and why tests are important
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs due to impaired glucose metabolism in the body. Early detection and control of the disease help to avoid serious complications. Tests play a key role in the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes, allowing you to quickly assess blood sugar levels and identify the risks of developing complications.
Symptoms of diabetes
In the early stages, diabetes may develop unnoticed, but there are a number of signs that may indicate problems with glucose levels:
- Constant thirst and dry mouth
- Frequent urination
- Increased fatigue
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Vision impairment
- Slow healing of wounds
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, you should immediately see a doctor and get tested for diabetes.
Basic tests for diagnosing diabetes
Early diabetes can be detected thanks to laboratory tests studies that determine sugar levels and other indicators in the body.
Fasting blood glucose
This is a basic test that shows the level of glucose in the blood after 8-12 hours of fasting. The norm is up to 5.5 mmol/L. An increase above 7.0 mmol/L may indicate diabetes.
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
Determines the average blood glucose level over the past three months. Normal – up to 5.7%, prediabetes – 5.7–6.4%, diabetes – over 6.5%.
Glucose tolerance test (Glucose tolerance test)
It is performed to detect disorders of carbohydrate metabolism. After donating blood on an empty stomach, the patient drinks a glucose solution, and then a second analysis is performed 2 hours later.
Insulin and C-peptide level analysis
Helps determine the type of diabetes (I or II) and assess pancreatic function.
Urine analysis for glucose and ketone bodies
Normally, glucose is not present in the urine. Its presence indicates a violation of sugar regulation in the body.
Why is it important to get tested regularly?
Even if there are no symptoms, people with risk factors should monitor their glucose levels periodically. This includes those who have:
- Hereditary predisposition to diabetes
- Overweight or obesity
- Hypertension or high cholesterol
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Gestational diabetes in the past
Regular monitoring of indicators will help to detect deviations in time and begin treatment at an early stage.
How to prepare for tests
To get accurate results, it is important to follow simple rules:
- Surrender analysis blood in the morning on an empty stomach
- Do not eat sweet or fatty foods the day before
- Avoid physical exertion 24 hours before the analysis
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol the day before the test.
Where to get tested for diabetes in Khmelnytskyi
If you want to get tested quickly and conveniently, Medical laboratory Medilab offers a wide range of tests for the diagnosis and control of diabetes. Here you will receive accurate results, comfortable conditions and professional consultations.
📍 More details about the tests and recording: Medilab+ Khmelnytskyi
Regular blood sugar monitoring is the first step to a healthy life. Don't put off getting tested, as early detection of diabetes can help prevent serious complications.
Highly qualified cytomorphologist with over 45 years of experience. For 33 years, she headed the cytology laboratory of the regional oncology clinic. Expert in early diagnosis of malignant neoplasms at Medi Lab Plus LLC. More details…