Exams and Tests

Tests to diagnose diabetes

Your diagnosis of type 2 diabetes was based on the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) guidelines.

To help make the diagnosis, your doctor used:

• A medical history.
• A physical exam.
• The results of blood sugar (glucose) tests or a hemoglobin A1c test.

If you are diagnosed as having diabetes but it's not clear whether it is type 2 or type 1 diabetes, your doctor may do a C-peptide level test. The results may be normal or increased if you have type 2 diabetes.

For more information on these tests, see the Exams and Tests section of the topic Type 2 Diabetes.

Tests to check for complications

High blood sugar can creep up over time and cause problems without your knowing it. When you find out that you have diabetes, it's a good idea to check for any complications you may already have. You may need the following tests:

• A complete eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. High blood sugar levels from diabetes can damage your eyes and make it hard for you to see. This test can find problems early.
• A urine test, to check for protein. If protein is found, you'll have more tests to help guide the best treatment. Protein in the urine can be a sign of kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy).
• An electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG), to check your heart. You're at higher risk for heart disease when you have diabetes.
• A foot exam, to see if you have diabetic neuropathy. You may also have a nerve conduction study.
• A cholesterol test. High cholesterol can increase your risk for complications. It's important to know if your levels are healthy or need treatment.

You may also need an exercise electrocardiogram (treadmill EKG test) before you start an exercise program.

Ongoing tests to keep track of diabetes

As part of your treatment, you'll need other tests to monitor your diabetes and help you avoid complications. These include:

• Home blood sugar tests. You will need to test your blood sugar regularly at home. You have a better chance of keeping your blood sugar in your target range if you know what it is from day to day.
• Hemoglobin A1c blood test. You'll have this test every 3 to 4 months. It shows how steady your blood sugar levels have been over time. And it can show high blood sugar at times when you might not normally be checking, such as after meals and overnight. With this information, your doctor will know how well your treatment is working.
• Tests for high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Regular foot exams by your doctor. Diabetes can damage the nerve endings and blood vessels in your feet.
• Routine eye exams by an ophthalmologist or an optometrist.
• A yearly urine test for protein, which can be a sign of kidney problems.

For more information, see the Treatment Overview section of this topic.