How to Diagnose Diabetes

Sep 06, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
Blood glucose measurement is performed by drawing venous blood or collecting capillary blood from the fingertip to assess blood glucose levels. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) involves administering a standardized dose of glucose solution orally after an overnight fast, followed by serial blood glucose measurements to evaluate glucose metabolism. Measurement of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in venous blood drawn from the antecubital vein aids in the diagnosis of diabetes.

Diabetes is typically diagnosed through tests such as blood glucose measurement, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) assay.

1. Blood Glucose Measurement

Blood glucose measurement involves drawing venous blood and using the ortho-toluidine method to quantify plasma or serum glucose levels for diabetes diagnosis. Alternatively, capillary whole-blood glucose can be measured from a fingertip blood sample using the glucose oxidase method to assess current blood glucose status.

2. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

The OGTT is performed after an overnight fast, during which the patient ingests a standardized glucose solution. Blood glucose levels are then measured at 30 minutes, 1 hour, 90 minutes, and 2 hours post-ingestion. This test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing diabetes.

3. Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Assay

HbA1c is measured from venous blood drawn from the antecubital fossa. In addition to aiding in diabetes diagnosis, HbA1c reflects average blood glucose levels over the preceding three months and is highly valuable for evaluating the effectiveness of diabetes management.

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