Being diagnosed with diabetes can be frightening, so it's important for you to take the necessary steps needed to treat the life-threatening disease. A diabetes glucose test is the first step towards a healthier diabetic lifestyle. Several methods have been designed to accurately test blood glucose including a fasting plasma glucose test, an oral diabetes glucose tolerance test, home glucose testing, and an A1c test. If you're at risk for diabetes, a diabetes glucose test can provide valuable information and may prevent serious health complications in the future.

FPG and OGTT

Either a fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) or an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) are required to confirm a diagnosis. If you suspect that you have diabetes, taking a diabetes glucose tolerance test, like an OGTT or FPG test, can provide additional information. The most commonly used diagnostic test is the FPG test, which measures your insulin response. To ensure an accurate reading, the patient must fast for 12 to 14 hours before the appointment. The doctor will then test your glucose content. A diabetes glucose test resulting in a reading higher than 126 mg/dl may indicate diabetes; however, your doctor will want to test you twice to confirm the diagnosis.

An OGTT is another reputable diabetes glucose tolerance test. Similar to a FPG test, the OGTT requires patients to avoid eating or drinking 8 hours before the test. You'll then provide a blood sample before consuming a beverage high in glucose. After you've finished drinking, the doctor will examine new blood samples every hour for the next 1 to 2 hours. If your body is unable to lower your blood sugar within 1 to 2 hours, you may be diabetic. However, you'll need similar results from another OGTT to determine your condition.

Home Testing

If you test positive for diabetes, you will want to begin regular home glucose testing. Unlike an OGTT or FPG diabetes glucose test, home testing allows you to monitor your blood glucose on your own. A home glucose testing kit generally consists of a blood glucose monitor, testing strips, controlsolution, and a lancing device. With the help of these medical items, you can safely test your blood glucose as often as you need. Self-monitoring can provide insight into how decisions regarding food, exercise, and medication affect your blood sugar on a daily basis.

An A1c Test

For those struggling to control their diabetes, an A1c diabetes glucose test may provide some assistance. In addition to daily glucose testing, doctors recommend diabetics go in for an A1c test 2 to 4 times a year. Unlike home testing, which only tracks your progress from day to day, an A1c test reveals how well you've been managing your diabetes over the past 2 to 3 months. This is an effective tool for doctors and patients because it can offer clues about one's treatment plan.

Having a diabetes glucose tolerance test performed is the first step in fighting diabetes. With an early diagnosis and proper attention to diet,exercise, and medication, you'll be able to live a long, healthy life.