Community Answer

Answered by Dr. Emily Carter, MD

To determine if you have diabetes, you should look for common symptoms and undergo specific medical tests. Here are some key indicators and steps:

Common Symptoms of Diabetes:

  • Frequent urination: Especially at night.
  • Excessive thirst: Feeling unusually thirsty.
  • Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying.
  • Fatigue: Feeling very tired.
  • Blurred vision: Experiencing vision problems.
  • Slow-healing sores: Cuts or bruises that take longer to heal.

Diagnostic Tests:

  • A1C Test: Measures your 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
  • Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test: Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast.
    • Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL
    • Prediabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dL
    • Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher
  • Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar before and after drinking a sugary liquid.

If you experience symptoms or have risk factors (e.g., family history, obesity), consult a healthcare provider for testing and diagnosis.

Last updated: 12/18/2024

Related Topics