Diabetes Testing
At Christian Hospital, we offer testing to quickly and accurately diagnose diabetes.
These tests include:
A diagnosis of diabetes is made when any one of these tests is positive. Each test is typically repeated at an additional appointment to confirm the diagnosis.
When to Get Tested
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, people over 45 should be tested for prediabetes or diabetes. If your first blood glucose test is normal, you don’t need to be retested for another three years.
If you’re under age 45, you should consider getting tested for prediabetes or diabetes if you have a body mass index (BMI) of greater than or equal to 25 kgm/m2 and have one or more of the following risk factors:
- Have a first-degree relative (mother, father or sibling) with diabetes
- Are a member of a high-risk ethnic group (African-American, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander or Native American)
- Delivered a baby weighing more than nine pounds, or had diabetes during pregnancy
- Have blood pressure at or above 140/90 mm/Hg
- Have abnormal blood fat levels
- Have a sedentary lifestyle
- Have impaired glucose tolerance when previously tested for diabetes
- Have polycystic ovarian syndrome
Testing for diabetes may also be recommended if you experience the following symptoms:
- Blurred vision
- Frequent urination
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Slow-healing wounds
- Numbness or tingling in the toes or feet
Christian Hospital and Northwest HealthCare, members of BJC HealthCare, provide world-class medical care to the communities of North County, Greater St. Louis County and Southern Illinois.