Diwali festivities got over 4 weeks ago. Along with the happy memories it has left a few ‘sweet’ side-effects for some people. There are long queues of patients in labs for different types of blood sugar tests. It is good to know about types of diabetes tests post-festivals and understand which one is right for you.

Learn about Avigna Diagnostic centre for diabetes tests

Learn about Avigna Diagnostic centre for diabetes tests

This informative medical content focuses on the following:

  • Why visit your doctor after festivals?
  • Different types of diabetes
  • Tests to determine sugar levels
  • Home testing

Why visit your doctor after festivals?

After Diwali, comes Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve celebrations. As people are merry and indulging in sweets, cakes and spirits, preventive healthcare is critical for some age groups. Diabetes is a medical condition that makes Indians prone to high sugar levels. During festive gatherings it is still advisable to maintain social distancing and wearing masks is important. If you think you have eaten too many sweets, skipped regular exercises, and moved away from the normal diet, a visit to the doctor is essential for managing diabetes during festivals.

Different types of diabetes

There are 3 types of diabetes blood sugar testing to evaluate the levels and help patients to remain healthy.

  1. Type 1
  2. Type 2
  3. Gestational (for women)

Tests to determine sugar levels

Your doctor might ask you to undergo tests to determine type 2 diabetes. A patient with this condition may have a problem in usage of insulin effectively. It is required to process blood sugar naturally. The test prescribed is A1c. It is also called the haemoglobin A1c, HbA1c, or glycated haemoglobin test. The glucose (molecules) attachment to haemoglobin is measured. It gives an indication of an average of 3 months blood sugar level. If it shows more than 5.7%, then the levels are high.

The patient does not have to fast and a blood sample is drawn. It helps the doctor to advise the patient for further action.

Best blood sugar test after Diwali to remain healthy

Best blood sugar test after Diwali to remain healthy

Fasting plasma glucose test (FPG)

No food or drinks are allowed 8 hours before the test. The blood sample is taken from the finger early in the morning. It can also be taken from the vein in the arm.

A doctor may ask for a random plasma glucose test. Fasting is not required for this examination.

For type 1 diabetes a doctor may look for flu-like symptoms or extreme fatigue. The tests required include:

  • Fasting plasma glucose test
  • Oral glucose tolerance test
  • A1c

If these tests do not provide indication further tests are done. They are:

  • C-Peptide to know if the levels are low.
  • Insulin autoantibodies test to know if proteins destroy insulin production.
  • Glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies:
  • Insulinoma-associated 2 autoantibodies
  • Islet cell cytoplasmic autoantibodies
  • Zinc transport 8

In the case of gestational diabetes, the glucose challenge test is required. This test is done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. A beverage containing glucose is given to the patient. After an hour, a blood test is done.

Home testing

For patients who already have a blood sugar condition, tests are conducted at home. They involve:

  • Strips for pricking fingers
  • Glucometer to evaluate the sample and give a reading
  • Urine Ketone testing

These kits are available at most pharmacies in India. If the levels are high then a visit to the doctor is required.

Managing diabetic conditions during festivals to avoid health complications is essential. For preventive healthcare, visiting the doctor is vital. The diagnosis indications of different testing types are:

A1c:

  • Normal: less than 5.7%
  • prediabetes: 5.7–6.4%
  • diabetes: 6.5% or higher 

FPG

  • Normal: 99 mg/dl or under
  • Prediabetes: 100–125 mg/dl
  • Diabetes: 126 mg/dl or higher 

RPG

When levels are 200 mg/dl or higher, a person could have diabetes.

Although there are plenty of diagnostic centres for diabetes tests, you will also need guidance related to the right laboratory. Avigna Diagnostics, Hyderabad, offers a range of tests to detect high sugar levels. Once the doctor has prescribed a particular test, our team will take over to deliver accurate results.

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