Diabetes can lead to a multitude of problems, especially those that have it for a long period of time. Diabetes detection is the first step to managing it. And detection of diabetes is easily done with some simple tests. The most dangerous diabetes is unknown diabetes. Detection of either type 1 or type 2 diabetes is relatively easy. But you must ask to be tested in most cases. Sometimes it is discovered unintentionally as a result of another screening, or during a routine physical exam. You should at the minimum make sure your annual physical exam includes a test that will result in diabetes detection. This is usually just a blood sugar level test that will give an indication that further testing is in order.

 

Diabetes Early Detection

 

Early detection of diabetes can give you a real head start on holding off the progress of it, and in many cases will let you change your lifestyle so that you never even develop full-blown diabetes. Diabetes detection is usuallu accomplished with one of the following tests:

  • FPG – This is the Fasting Plasma Glucose test that measures the blood glucose level in a patient that hasn’t eaten anything for a minimum of 8 hours. This test is capable of diabetes detection of both type 1 and 2 diabetes. The best way to schedule this test is early in the morning. This way you can eat dinner and stop eating anything the rest of the evening. Go to sleep early, get up early and get the test over with before you become hungry. The FPG test can also detect pre-diabetes.
  • OGTT – This is the Oral Glucose Tolerance test. It measures blod sugar levels after a person has fasted for a minimum of 8 hours and 2 hours after drinking a beverage that contains glucose. This diabetes detection test will also find both diabetes types and pre-diabetes.
  • A random plasma glucose test is simply a measure of the blood sugar level without considering the last time food was consumed. It can be used as a diabetes detection method for both types of diabetes but will not detect pre-diabetes. It should only be used as part of a regular blood screening as part of a comprehensive physical, since finding pre-diabetes is important if the disease is to be managed early and with more success

 

Which Is the Preferred Method of Diabetes Detection?

 

The FPG test is the preferred test because it is both convenient and inexpensive. It is most reliable when done in the morning as suggested above. But the importance of diabetes detection as early as possible can’t be stressed enough. When caught early, most patients can use natural methods to manage or even cure their diabetes. And if you can delay or avoid using insulin, your health, and your quality of life will be better.