Diabetes is a condition in which your body either creates insufficient insulin or is unable to use the insulin that it does. As a result, your blood glucose levels rise, which can cause a number of health issues. To monitor your condition and modify your treatment plan if you have diabetes, your doctor may request a number of lab tests like post lunch blood glucose tests.
It is pertinent to take note of the vulnerable risks in both the short and long term. They are easily prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle.
We’ll examine some of the most typical lab tests for diabetes in more detail in this blog.
What Does Blood Sugar (glucose) mean?
The biggest supply of glucose (sugar) in your diet is carbohydrate-rich foods and beverages. It is the primary energy source for your body. All of the cells in your body receive glucose from your blood to be used as fuel.
Your blood glucose is maintained in a normal range by a number of physiological mechanisms. The major factor in keeping healthy blood sugar levels is the hormone insulin, which is produced by your pancreas.
Hyperglycemia, or increased blood sugar levels, is typically a sign of diabetes. Diabetes is caused when your pancreas either produces too little of insulin or none at all, or when your body’s system does not react appropriately to the effects of insulin.
When Should You Get Tested for Blood Sugar Levels?
You have to get tested for diabetes as soon as you begin to experience its symptoms. In addition to this, you must monitor your blood sugar levels and have it checked every three years if you have a history of gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops while pregnant), are older than 45, or have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher.
A1C Test
Your average blood sugar level over the previous two to three months is measured by the A1C test. It’s a useful tool for tracking long-term blood sugar control and will help you and your doctor in figuring out whether the therapy you’re using is working. The majority of diabetics want to maintain an A1C level under 7%.
Fasting Plasma Glucose Test
This examination evaluates your blood sugar levels after a minimum of eight hours of fasting. It can be used to check blood sugar management and is frequently used to diagnose diabetes. A fasting plasma glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate occasions is a sign of diabetes.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
This test can be used to identify type 2 diabetes as well as gestational diabetes. Before the test, you must fast for at least eight hours. Your doctor may suggest a post lunch blood glucose test. After that, you must consume a sweet solution. Before and after you consume the solution, your blood sugar level will be checked at regular intervals.
Random Plasma Glucose Test
This test measures your blood sugar level at any given time, regardless of when you last ate. If your blood sugar level is 200 mg/dL or higher and you’re experiencing symptoms of diabetes, such as increased thirst or urination, your doctor may diagnose you with diabetes.
Lipid Profile
Due to the increased risk of heart disease in people with diabetes, your doctor may request a lipid profile to check your triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
Doctors at Vijaya Diagnostic say that your risk of heart disease can increase if you have high levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol).
Kidney Function Tests
Diabetes can damage your kidneys over time, so your doctor may order kidney function tests, such as a creatinine test or a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio test, to monitor your kidney function. These tests can help your doctor detect kidney damage early, when it’s easier to treat.
Thyroid Function Tests
Your doctor may request thyroid function tests to check your thyroid function as people with diabetes are more likely to experience thyroid issues. Your doctor can use these tests to identify and treat thyroid issues, which can impair your ability to control your blood sugar.
In conclusion
Early detection is key to successful treatment of most conditions, and that’s especially true with diabetes. By knowing what tests your doctor will perform, you’ll be more on top of any issues as they arise and less likely to miss out on important diagnostic opportunities.
