Diabetes Type 2 : Diagnosis

Diabetes, a complex metabolic disorder, can manifest through various symptoms and signs, yet remarkably, a large proportion of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) cases remain undiagnosed—ranging from 30% to 80% across different regions. The most extreme presentations of diabetes include ketoacidosis and non-ketotic hyperosmolar states, which can lead to severe outcomes like dehydration, coma, and even death if not promptly and effectively treated. In many instances, the symptoms of T2DM are either mild or non-existent due to the gradual progression of hyperglycemia. This slow onset often allows significant pathological and functional changes to occur unnoticed until the disease has advanced, often resulting in the discovery of diabetes only after complications have arisen. Thus, regular biochemical testing is crucial for early detection and prevention of severe diabetic complications.

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....