how is diabetes detected
Asked by: CuriousPatient123
Community Answer
Answered by Dr. Emily Carter, MD
Diabetes is typically detected through several blood tests that measure blood glucose levels. The most common tests include:
- Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test: Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar before and after drinking a glucose-rich drink. A 2-hour level of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
- Hemoglobin A1C Test: Measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.
These tests help diagnose diabetes and prediabetes, allowing for early intervention and management.