| Diabetes has become a major health threat to | | | | of gestational diabetes). The test uses the |
| the whole world; indeed, the greatest increase will | | | | following procedures: I) after an overnight fast |
| be contributed by India, which has already been | | | | Fasting Plasma Glucose test is performed. ii) After |
| declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) | | | | this test a person receives 75 g of glucose (100 g |
| as the country with the largest number of | | | | for pregnant women) blood samples are taken |
| diabetics in the world. Diabetes is frequently not | | | | every half an hour |
| diagnosed until complications appear, and | | | | {(fasting-30mts-60mts-90mts-120mts-(five |
| approximately one third of all people with diabetes | | | | times)} to measure the blood glucose. It not only |
| may be undiagnosed, though diagnosed many | | | | helps in detecting diabetes but also help to detect |
| people are not aware of their condition. | | | | the pre-diabetic status, Impaired Fasting Glucose |
| Late detection of diabetes often means that at | | | | (IFG) & Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT)) |
| the time of diagnosis complications have already | | | | Is it important to detect pre-diabetic stage? Yes! |
| damaging the eyes, kidneys and nerves. These | | | | Because it is "preventable" Criteria for the |
| complications are costly in the physical, financial | | | | diagnosis of diabetes mellitus |
| and psychosocial sense. Early detection and | | | | Normal DIABETES |
| treatment of diabetes may not only improve | | | | Symptoms of diabetes + Random plasma glucose |
| glycemic control, but also improves blood pressure | | | | Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) NFG IFG ≥ |
| and lipids. Who should be screened? In general all | | | | 126 mg/dl |
| adults should be screened at regular intervals | | | | |
| - Family history of diabetes (i.e., parents or siblings | | | | 100 - 125 mg/dl |
| with diabetes) | | | | Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) |
| - Overweight (Body Mass Index >25 kg/m2) | | | | (WHO, 2004) NGT IGT ≥200 mg/dl |
| - Age >45 years | | | | |
| - Previously identified impaired fasting glucose | | | | What is the test for diabetic who is on treatment |
| (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) | | | | to detect the control of blood sugar? Test for |
| - Hypertension (>140/90 mmHg) | | | | Glycosylated Haemoglobin: Tests for blood levels |
| - Hyperlipidemia (HDL - 250 mg/dL or both) | | | | of glycosylated hemoglobin, also known as |
| - History of gestational diabetes or delivery of a | | | | hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) are useful for |
| baby over 9 lb (4.1 kg) (ADA -Diabetes Care | | | | determining the severity of diabetes. A |
| 2004) | | | | glycosylated hemoglobin level of 1% above normal |
| What are the Screening test for Diabetes | | | | range (5%) identifies diabetes in 98% of patients. |
| Fasting Plasma Glucose: The fasting plasma | | | | The test is not affected by food intake so it can |
| glucose (FPG) test is the standard test for | | | | be taken at any time. It shows average blood |
| diabetes. It is a simple blood test taken after eight | | | | sugar control of 2-3 months. HbA1c - < 7, should |
| hours of fasting. The FPG test is not always | | | | be screened six months once. |
| reliable, so a repeat test is recommended if the | | | | What are the routine screening tests for Diabetes |
| initial test suggests the presence of diabetes. | | | | Complications? : All patients with a diagnosis of |
| Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: The glucose | | | | diabetes should receive routine screening for |
| tolerance test may be more accurate than the | | | | diabetes complications. |
| FPG in certain groups (e.g., women with a history | | | | |