Diabetes Diagnosis and Monitoring: Detailed Explanation of Six Key Blood Glucose Tests
What tests should be done for diabetes?
(1) Fasting blood glucose: This is an important indicator for diagnosing diabetes, reflecting pancreatic function under basal conditions. It refers to the blood glucose level 8-10 hours after the last meal, without any food intake or calories. Blood is usually drawn between 7 and 9 am. The normal range is 3.9-6.1 mmol/L.
(2) 2-hour postprandial blood glucose: This mainly reflects tissue sensitivity to insulin and whether there is insulin resistance. It refers to the blood glucose level measured exactly 2 hours after the first bite of food. The normal range is 4.4-7.8 mmol/L.
(3) Oral glucose tolerance test: This test reflects the pancreatic cells' ability to secrete insulin and whether there is insulin resistance by observing changes in blood glucose and insulin levels. Procedure: Do not eat anything after dinner the day before the test; fast for at least 8 hours. On the day of the test, usually before 8 am, take 75g of glucose orally, finishing it within 5 minutes. Venous blood is collected before taking the glucose and at 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours after taking the glucose. Insulin levels can also be measured simultaneously. Normal values are 3.9–6.1 mmol/L fasting, <9 mmol/L after 1 hour, and <7.8 mmol/L after 2 hours.
(4) Glycated hemoglobin: Reflects the patient's blood glucose level over the past 2–3 months, providing a comprehensive understanding of blood glucose status over a period of time. Normal value is <6.5%.
(5) Time to blood glucose (TIR): This refers to the percentage of time within 24 hours that glucose levels are within the target range. For example, a TIR of 60% means that blood glucose levels are within the target range for 60% of the 24 hours.
(6) Urine glucose: Not used as a diagnostic criterion for diabetes, as urine glucose is affected by many factors. For example, in patients with renal insufficiency, the reduced renal tubular glucose reabsorption capacity leads to increased urine glucose.
Factors that cannot be ignored: The influence of heredity, environment, and psychological personality on the three highs (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia).
Besides diet and exercise, genetic factors, external environment, and psychological stress also play key roles in the development of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia (the "three highs"). This article reveals the truth about the genetic probability of hypertension and explains the dangers of stress and anxiety.
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