Diabetic tests are specifically used to diagnose diabetes or to see how well diabetes is being controlled. There are two main types of tests that the primary physician or diabetes specialist might order. These include urine tests and blood tests.

There are many symptoms that might make a physician question diabetes. These symptoms include:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Increased hunger
  • Blurred vision or rapid vision change
  • Cold hands or feet

 

If a patient goes to the physician with symptoms that make the physician question diabetes, some tests will be ordered. The doctor will start with a urine test to see if the patient is “spilling” sugar into the urine. This test checks the urine for sugar, ketosis and often times pH.

If the urine confirms the possibility of diabetes, the physician will most likely order a series of blood tests.

 

Why Would Diabetic Blood Tests Be Needed?

 

Diabetic tests can include the physician ordering blood tests from the laboratory. These tests check your current blood sugar. There is also a test called the A1C that gives the doctor the patient’s average blood sugar for the past couple of months. This helps the doctor determine if the blood sugar is normally increased, and if so, by how much.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes the doctor will also want you to monitor your own blood sugar at home. Most of the time the doctor wants you to check your blood sugar at least a couple of times per day. With newly diagnosed patient’s, it is often requested that blood sugar be tested before and after each meal.

The doctor will prescribe a blood glucose monitor and testing supplies for home use. The monitor and the supplies can usually be picked up from a pharmacy. Some doctors’ offices also have this equipment available for patients. Your insurance company may require that you get the equipment from a medical supply store or mail order company. Check with your insurance company before you purchase your equipment. They will tell you what is and is not covered. They will also let you know where to get the equipment if you want the insurance to pay for it.

Once you have your blood testing equipment, you will need to monitor your blood sugar as ordered by the physician. You will be given a booklet to log your blood sugar information. You will also be given an action plan. This will tell you what to do depending on what your reading is.

 

What Are Diabetic Eye Tests?

 

Diabetic eye doctors administer specific eye tests and examinations to determine whether diabetes is poorly affecting vision. Diabetes that is not well controlled can lead to rapidly decreasing vision and even blindness. Thus, these diabetic tests help the ophthalmologist determine the best vision plan for each patient.

If you suffer from diabetes and have noticed blurred vision, changes in your vision, or frequent headaches, consult your physician immediately to have your vision checked.

Diabetes is a common diagnosis amongst the American population. It is important to maintain good control of diabetes. There are several diabetic tests that can help the diabetic patient do just that. Although diabetic tests can seem overwhelming or excessive, these tests are essential in monitoring diabetes and maintaining good health and a quality lifestyle.