Diabetes Diagnosis: What You Need to Know

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. If left undiagnosed or unmanaged, it can lead to serious complications like heart disease, kidney damage, nerve problems, and vision loss. Understanding how diabetes is diagnosed can help you take control of your health early.

Types of Diabetes

• Type 1 Diabetes – An autoimmune condition where the body attacks the cells that produce insulin.

• Type 2 Diabetes – The most common form, where the body doesn’t use insulin properly.

• Prediabetes – Blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.

• Gestational Diabetes – Develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after birth, but increases future risk.

Who Should Be Tested?

You should consider getting tested if you:

• Have symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or blurred vision

• Are overweight or obese

• Have a family history of diabetes

• Have high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels

• Are over age 35

• Had gestational diabetes during pregnancy

Common Tests Used for Diagnosis

1. A1C Test

• Measures average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months.

• Normal: Below 5.7%

• Prediabetes: 5.7%–6.4%

• Diabetes: 6.5% or higher

2. Fasting Blood Glucose Test (FBG)

• Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast.

• Normal: Below 100 mg/dL

• Prediabetes: 100–125 mg/dL

• Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher

3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

• Measures blood sugar before and 2 hours after drinking a sweet liquid.

• Normal: Below 140 mg/dL after 2 hours

• Prediabetes: 140–199 mg/dL

• Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher

4. Random Blood Glucose Test

• Taken at any time, regardless of when you last ate.

• Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher with symptoms

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Catching diabetes early means you can start making lifestyle changes or begin treatment before complications develop. Many people live healthy, active lives with diabetes when it’s well-managed.

Next Steps After Diagnosis

If you’re diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes, your provider will work with you to create a personalized plan that may include:

• Healthy eating

• Regular exercise

• Blood sugar monitoring

• Medication or insulin therapy

• Regular check-ups and lab work

Bottom Line:

If you have risk factors or symptoms, don’t wait — ask your healthcare provider about getting tested for diabetes. Early action can protect your health for years to come.