A urine test, though not diagnostic, may be used for general glucose and ketone analysis. For diagnostic purposes, the following tests are conducted in case of suspicion of diabetes:
- Fasting blood glucose level
- Random
- Oral glucose tolerance test
In the fasting blood glucose level test, if the level is found to be higher than 126 mg/dl on two occasions, it indicates diabetes. Blood glucose levels between 100 and 126 mg/dl indicate pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetic blood glucose levels show strong susceptibility to type-2 diabetes. When you go in for this type of test, you should not eat for six hours before the test.
Random or non-fasting blood glucose level tests can be conducted at any time. What you have eaten before the test and your activity affects the results of the test. If results show a sugar level of more than 200 mg/dl, along with typical diabetes symptoms, diabetes is suspected. But this test needs confirmation with the fasting blood glucose test.
Oral glucose tolerance tests are the most common glucose tolerance test. When submitting to the test, you should not eat after midnight. You will be made to drink liquid for the test. The liquid contains a certain amount of sugar in it. Blood samples will be taken before you drink it. Once you drink the liquid, blood samples will be taken again every 30 or 60 minutes. Tests normally last for about three hours. Glucose levels in the blood, if found above normal levels, may indicate diabetes. This test can be used to diagnose type 2 as well as gestational diabetes. Tests of insulin levels may be used as complementary tests for the diagnosis.
Hemoglobin A1c tests (also known as HbA1c) are an ideal indicator of a patient’s average blood glucose levels over last few months. Your doctor will suggest how often you can take the test. It helps you and your doctor to know the effectiveness of the current treatment.
Another test that is used in case of type 1 diabetes is the ketones test. Urine samples are used for this test. Higher levels of ketones may lead to ketoacidosis. This test is used especially in situations where the blood sugar level is more than 240 mg/dl or during pregnancy.