what determines diabetes

Diabetes is determined by several factors, including:

• Blood Sugar Levels: Consistently high blood sugar levels are a primary indicator. The A1C test measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.

  • Normal: Below 5.7%
  • Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
  • Diabetes: 6.5% or above

• Symptoms: Common symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision.

• Risk Factors:

  • Family history of diabetes
  • Obesity or being overweight
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • High blood pressure or cholesterol
  • Ethnicity (higher risk in African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian populations)

• Diagnostic Tests:

  • Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test: Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast.
  • Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar before and after drinking a glucose-rich drink.
  • Random Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar at any time, regardless of when you last ate.

If you suspect you have diabetes, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.