Diagnosing Diabetes
Protocol for diagnosing diabetes:
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK):
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People over age 45 should be tested for diabetes. If the first blood glucose test is normal, they should be re-tested every three years.
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People under age 45 should be tested for diabetes if they are at high risk for diabetes based on these factors:
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being more than 20 percent over ideal body weight, or having a body mass index (BMI) of greater than or equal to 27 kgm/m2
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having a first-degree relative with diabetes (mother, father, or sibling)
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being a member of a high-risk ethnic group (African-American, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American)
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delivering a baby weighing more than 9 pounds, or having diabetes during pregnancy
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having blood pressure at or above 140/90 mm/Hg
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having abnormal blood fat levels, such as high-density lipoproteins (HDL) less than or equal to 35 mg/dL, or triglycerides greater than or equal to 250 mg/dL (mg/dL = milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood)
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having a sedentary lifestyle
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having impaired glucose tolerance when previously tested for diabetes
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having polycystic ovarian syndrome
A diagnosis of diabetes:
A diagnosis of diabetes is made when any three of these tests is positive, followed by a second positive test on a different day:
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fasting plasma glucose of greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL with symptoms of diabetes
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casual plasma glucose (taken at any time of the day) of greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL with the symptoms of diabetes
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oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) value of greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL. The OGTT is obtained 2 hours after a drink containing glucose has been consumed, which occurs after fasting for at least 8 hours.
A diagnosis of gestational diabetes:
Gestational diabetes is diagnosed with a 100-gram glucose screening test, which involves drinking a glucose drink followed by measurement of the blood sugar level after one hour.
Consult your physician regarding your wish to be screened for gestational diabetes.
Online Source:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/diagnosis/
Online Editor:
Andrew Bailey RN BSN M.Ed.
Online Editor:
Sara Foster RN MPH
Online Editor:
Sinovic, Dianna
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith MSN FNP RN CCRC
Online Medical Reviewer:
Joy Fincannon RN MN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Kelley Gaskin RN MN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Louise Akin RN BSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Nancy Bowers RN MPH RN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer:
Sara Foster RN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer:
Lee Jenkins
Date Last Reviewed:
10/6/2009
Date Last Modified:
10/19/2009