Although Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes and non-insulin dependent diabetes, is the most common form of the disease; there are still estimated to be millions of Americans who have it and are not aware. But this isn't a case of not being informed. It's a matter of people not understanding how the screening process works.
There are several ways that someone can be screened for Type 2 diabetes.
One is the fasting plasma glucose test (FBG). In this test, the individual is restricted from consuming food or drink for a period of up to 12 hours, but at least 8 hours prior to the test. The best time to do it is first thing in the morning after fasting all night.
Blood is drawn and any blood sugar reading above 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) is considered to be a provisional diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Then, another blood drawing on a return trip will be used to confirm the diagnosis.
An oral glucose tolerance test is similar (OGTT). No food for up to 12 hours prior to the first drawing of blood; 75 grams of oral glucose is then given by mouth, and then the blood test repeated approximately 2 hours later. For this test, a blood sugar reading of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) gives a positive sign of Type 2 diabetes. This test also has to be repeated on a different day to confirm the reading.
The random plasma glucose test is different from the other two in that no prior fasting is required. It does not require any previous scheduling and can be drawn at any time. This test requires a blood sugar reading of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or more. But the reading also has to be accompanied by other diabetic symptoms as well. The individual will have to return for a separate blood drawing in order to confirm diagnosis.
If you are not accustomed to skipping meals, then a fasting episode may make you fell pretty lousy. In this case, it would be a good idea for you to have someone with you at the lab; someone who can drive you home afterwards. It is also a good idea to have the test performed on your day off as the effects could stay with you for several hours.
If having someone take you home isn't an option, or even taking the rest of the day off, you may want to try a trial test to see how you will react so that you will have a better idea of whether or not you will be okay by yourself. To do this, try skipping a meal to see how your body reacts. Do this for several days in a row to acclimate your body to missing out on food for such a long period.
By Beverleigh H Piepers
There are several ways that someone can be screened for Type 2 diabetes.
One is the fasting plasma glucose test (FBG). In this test, the individual is restricted from consuming food or drink for a period of up to 12 hours, but at least 8 hours prior to the test. The best time to do it is first thing in the morning after fasting all night.
Blood is drawn and any blood sugar reading above 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) is considered to be a provisional diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Then, another blood drawing on a return trip will be used to confirm the diagnosis.
An oral glucose tolerance test is similar (OGTT). No food for up to 12 hours prior to the first drawing of blood; 75 grams of oral glucose is then given by mouth, and then the blood test repeated approximately 2 hours later. For this test, a blood sugar reading of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) gives a positive sign of Type 2 diabetes. This test also has to be repeated on a different day to confirm the reading.
The random plasma glucose test is different from the other two in that no prior fasting is required. It does not require any previous scheduling and can be drawn at any time. This test requires a blood sugar reading of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or more. But the reading also has to be accompanied by other diabetic symptoms as well. The individual will have to return for a separate blood drawing in order to confirm diagnosis.
If you are not accustomed to skipping meals, then a fasting episode may make you fell pretty lousy. In this case, it would be a good idea for you to have someone with you at the lab; someone who can drive you home afterwards. It is also a good idea to have the test performed on your day off as the effects could stay with you for several hours.
If having someone take you home isn't an option, or even taking the rest of the day off, you may want to try a trial test to see how you will react so that you will have a better idea of whether or not you will be okay by yourself. To do this, try skipping a meal to see how your body reacts. Do this for several days in a row to acclimate your body to missing out on food for such a long period.
By Beverleigh H Piepers
Post a Comment