Is a 2 hour glucose tolerance test the best test to diagnose diabetes?
Just curious, seeing the doctor tomorrow, I always wake up totally dehydrated, my body always feels like it’s craving liquids, and my energy level is always at zero. Is a 2 hour gtt the best? or should I get some more tests, like ketones in the urine and others?
if you have not yet been diagnosed, the BEST test is the A1C test. this test has the possibility to spare you the time and pain of the Glucose Tolerance Test.
The A1C test is the current State-of-the-Art for Diabrtes testing. it is used for both diagnosis and long term control. in fact, groups like the American Diaebtes Association now recommend that EVERYONE have the A1C test done once a year, to catch to cases where diabetes may be developing.
the A1C test is quick, easy, and CHEAP. Many doctors have purchased the equipment and can do the test in their office with ONE DROP of blood in about 10 minutes. if your doctor has not purchased the equipment , he will need a blood sample and send it to a lab for 2-3 days.
a NORMAL A1C reading is between 5 and 6. if your value is between 5 and 6 then you DO NOT have diabetes, or if you have already been diagnosed, you are controlling it very well.
Any reading more than 7 indicates possible diabetes. the doctor may then ask for the Glucose Tolerance test to confirm it, and for a urine test to check for ketones.
But these extra tests are NOT needed if your A1C test is NORMAL. So the A1C test can save both you and the doctor much time and money.
IF you are diagnosed as diabetic, one of the keys to controlling it is to KNOW YOUR A1C NUMBER. Diabetic patients need to take the A1C test once every three months, to determine how well their treatment is working.
You should ASK for the A1C test.
