Getting Tested for Diabetes
The only way to confirm if you or someone you know has diabetes is through a blood test that measures your blood sugar levels. These tests can be arranged with your healthcare provider or local clinic. A diagnosis of diabetes is confirmed by laboratory results, which are usually available within a few days. In cases where symptoms appear rapidly or are severe, test results may come back within hours.
Importance of Diabetes Testing
Diabetes can affect anyone, and sometimes the symptoms can be difficult to notice. Type 2 diabetes is often discovered during tests for other health conditions. If you’re concerned about any symptoms or feel unwell, speak to your doctor and request a blood test.
If symptoms come on quickly or you feel very unwell, seek urgent medical attention.
Types of Blood Tests for Diabetes
There are several types of blood tests used to diagnose diabetes. Your healthcare provider will decide which test is appropriate based on your symptoms and risk factors.
- HbA1c Test: This test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. You don’t need to fast for this test, and results are typically available in a few days. If your HbA1c level is 48 mmol/mol or higher, you may be diagnosed with diabetes.
- Random Blood Glucose Test: This test can be done at any time of the day and doesn’t require fasting. A finger-prick test gives immediate results, while a blood test sent to a laboratory will provide results within a few days. Any diagnosis must be confirmed with a laboratory blood test.
- Fasting Blood Sugar Test: This test requires fasting for at least eight hours before the test. Blood is drawn from a vein, and results typically come back in a few days. It’s used to check how your body manages blood sugar levels when not eating.
- Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT): This test is mainly used to diagnose gestational diabetes. After fasting, a blood sample is taken, followed by drinking a sugary liquid. Another blood sample is taken two hours later to see how your body handles the sugar.
Testing for Type 1 Diabetes
If your test indicates diabetes, further blood tests may be required to determine whether you have type 1 diabetes. Tests such as the C-peptide test can measure how much insulin your pancreas is producing. In some cases, you may need to be admitted to the hospital for further evaluation.
Researchers have developed tests that can identify the risk of developing type 1 diabetes even before symptoms appear. These tests look for markers in the blood that indicate the immune system has started attacking the pancreas.
Home Testing Kits
While home testing kits can show high blood sugar levels, they cannot diagnose diabetes. A laboratory blood test is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Testing for Prediabetes and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Your test results may show high blood sugar levels, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. This is referred to as prediabetes, and it means you’re at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider to reduce this risk through lifestyle changes.
Check Your Risk
If you don’t want to attend a diabetes screening test but want to know your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, you can check your risk for free by using our online Know Your Risk tool. This simple tool takes just a few minutes to complete and provides an estimate of your likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. It’s a convenient way to stay informed about your health and take preventive steps.
Testing During Pregnancy
For pregnant women, testing for gestational diabetes is important. You may be diagnosed if your fasting blood glucose is 5.6 mmol/L or higher, or if your glucose level is 7.8 mmol/L or higher after the glucose tolerance test.
Additional Tests and Screenings
Urine Tests
Urine tests can show if there is sugar in your urine, but they cannot confirm diabetes. A blood test is necessary for a proper diagnosis.
Eye Tests
Eye tests performed by opticians may spot damage caused by diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy, but they cannot diagnose diabetes.
Pharmacy Screenings
Some pharmacies offer risk assessments for type 2 diabetes. These screenings provide an estimate of your risk and may suggest further testing by your doctor. Some pharmacies also offer blood tests for diabetes, but these are usually paid services.
Diabetes Research
Ongoing research plays a key role in improving diabetes diagnosis and treatment. Over the years, researchers have developed more accurate blood tests and better ways of identifying the risk of diabetes. This means that more people can be diagnosed early and begin receiving treatment to prevent complications.
In Kenya, there is growing interest in participating in global diabetes research. New studies are investigating ways to improve testing methods and explore innovative treatments. If you’re interested in learning more about diabetes research, you can speak to your healthcare provider or look into joining clinical trials related to diabetes.
Support After Diagnosis
If you or someone you know is diagnosed with diabetes, the next step is to receive proper treatment and support. You will work with your healthcare team to manage the condition, including lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and medication.
Types of Blood Tests for Diabetes
There are several types of blood tests used to diagnose diabetes. Your healthcare provider will decide which test is appropriate based on your symptoms and risk factors.