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Persistent hyperglycemia is a key indicator for the diagnosis of diabetes, with specific thresholds for HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, and random plasma glucose levels. For symptomatic individuals, a single abnormal test result can prompt a diabetes diagnosis, but it's often prudent to confirm with a repeat test. Asymptomatic individuals require confirmatory testing due to the potential for false positives. Monitoring should continue if repeated tests normalize, especially in those with risk factors for diabetes. It's also important to consider the context, as acute conditions can temporarily elevate blood glucose levels without indicating chronic diabetes.
Let us review the tests used to diagnose diabetes first
| Test for Diabetes Diagnosis | How It Works | Typical Use | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) | Measures blood glucose levels after fasting for at least 8 hours | Initial screening and diagnosis of diabetes | Cannot eat or drink (except water) before the test |
| Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) | Measures blood glucose levels before and 2 hours after consuming a glucose-containing drink | Diagnosing diabetes and gestational diabetes | Requires fasting; lengthy process, not as convenient as other tests |
| Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) | Reflects average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months | Diagnosing diabetes and monitoring glucose control over time | Less affected... |
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