What is Diabetes and what is type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is when your pancrease, the organ that produces insulin, cannot produce insulin. Insulin is what instructs your body to lower your blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed at an early age.
Type 2 diabetes is an impairment in the way the body regulates and uses glucose as a fuel. This condition results in too much sugar circulating in the bloodstream. Having high blood sugar levels can lead to disorders that affect your circulation, nervous and immune systems. Type 2 diabetes usually is developed during adulthood.
How is type 2 diabetes diagnosed?
Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed using the glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. This blood test indicates your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. Results are interpreted as follows:
- Below 5.7% is normal.
- 5.7% to 6.4% is diagnosed as pre-diabetes.
- 6.5% or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.
If the A1C test isn't available, or if you have certain conditions that interfere with an A1Ctest, your doctor may use the following tests to diagnose diabetes:
Fasting blood sugar test. A blood sample is taken after an overnight fast. Results are interpreted as follows:
- Less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) is normal.
- 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) is diagnosed as prediabetes.
- 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests is diagnosed as diabetes.
