Diabetes tests

Summary

The main measure for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes is HbA1c – glycosolated haemoglobin, readings in mmil/mol – millimoles per mole. . This is glycated or glycosylated haemoglobin. Heme is a type of iron. Haemaglobin is the iron containing oxygen carrying protein in red blood cells. Glucose sticks to this protein and it goes up if there is extra sugar in the body.

Red cells last about 3 months, so the HbA1c is usually measured every 3 months, after an intervention in treatment.

Diagnosis

HbA1c – less than 42 – normal.

HbA1c, between 42 and 47 Pre diabetes.

HbA1c, above 48 and above is diabetes.

Fasting glucose test is another way to check.

Fasting glucose less than 5.5 mol/l is normal, between 5.5 and 6.9 mmol/L is pre diabetes and above this is diabetes.

Monitoring

If you have diabetes we check your diabetic control at least annually. This usually includes HbA1c which shows your diabetic control. We also carry out other tests for complications of diabetes or side effects from treatments.

We usually carry out tests for anaemia, kidneys, liver and cholesterol.

We also carry out other checks too to see how you are getting on and check your blood pressure, feet and eye checks.

Pre diabetes

Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test: Measures blood sugar levels after an overnight fast. A fasting plasma glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) may indicate pre-diabetes.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Involves fasting followed by drinking a glucose solution, and then blood sugar levels are measured periodically. A 2-hour blood glucose level between 140 and 199 mg/dL (7.8 to 11.0 mmol/L) after the test suggests pre-diabetes.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test: Provides an average of blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. An HbA1c level between 5.7% and 6.4% is indicative of pre-diabetes.

Remember

It’s essential to discuss your blood test results with a healthcare professional to understand their significance and take appropriate steps to manage your health effectively. They can provide personalized advice, lifestyle recommendations, and if necessary, further tests or treatment options.