Diagnosis
If the doctor suspects type 2 diabetes, he or she may recommend any of the following tests to accurately diagnose the disease. In people 45 and older, screening for type 2 diabetes is recommended, especially for those who are overweight or have a strong family history of type 2 diabetes. Also, screening is recommended for those under the age of 45 who are overweight or have other risk factors.
Fasting blood-glucose test
After the patient fasts overnight, the doctor takes a blood sample and measures the level of glucose.
- A blood-glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates a strong likelihood of diabetes
- A blood-glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dL indicates pre-diabetes
- A blood-glucose level under 100 mg/dL is normal
Glucose tolerance test
After the patient fasts overnight, the doctor takes a sample of blood and measures the level of glucose. The patient then consumes a sugary drink and the doctor tests the blood-glucose level periodically over the next 2 hours.
- A blood-glucose level greater than 200 mg/dL after two hours indicates diabetes
- A blood-glucose level between 140 and 199 mg/dL indicates pre-diabetes.
- A blood-glucose level under 140 mg/dL is normal
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Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test
This test measures the percentage of blood-glucose that is attached to hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The higher the blood-glucose level, the more hemoglobin will be attached. This test indicates the average blood-glucose levels over the past two to three months, and is a good test for monitoring treatment results.
- 6.5% or higher suggests diabetes
- 5.7-6.4% suggests pre-diabetes
- Below 5.7% is normal
Many large-scale studies involving people across the world have shown that diabetes increases the risk of several cancers including pancreatic cancer, uterine cancer, and liver cancer. Other cancers that more commonly occur in people with diabetes include breast cancer, colon cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and bladder cancer. Insulin resistance and high blood sugars cause chronic inflammation which increase the risk of developing cancer. In addition, patients who have cancer and diabetes usually have worse outcomes or prognosis of their cancer as compared to cancer patients who do not have diabetes. It is important for people with diabetes to get age appropriate cancer screening done to ensure they receive timely treatment.
