Do you suspect that you may have diabetes? If so, it's important to get tested as soon as possible. Diabetes is a serious condition that can cause long-term health complications if left untreated. Fortunately, there are several tests available to help diagnose diabetes and determine the type of diabetes you have. The most common test used to diagnose diabetes is the fasting blood sugar test.
This test measures your blood sugar level after an overnight fast (not eating). It's important to note that the diagnosis of diabetes is always confirmed by laboratory results. If you have symptoms that came on quickly and brought you to the hospital, the results should appear within an hour or two. Your doctor can diagnose diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes using blood tests.
Blood tests show if your blood glucose level, also called blood sugar, is above the range that is healthy for you. Blood tests can also help identify the type of diabetes you have. If you're being tested for type 1 diabetes, they'll do more blood tests to check your blood ketone levels. A nurse will draw some blood from a vein in your arm and check your blood glucose levels.
