Medical History and Physical Examination:
- Medical History: Detailed review of symptoms (e.g., excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision), family history of diabetes, past medical conditions, and any existing health issues such as cardiovascular disease or hypertension.
- Physical Examination: Includes measurement of body weight, height, blood pressure, and assessment of physical signs of diabetes-related complications, such as neuropathy or retinopathy.
Blood Glucose Tests:
- Fasting Blood Glucose Test: Measures blood sugar levels after fasting overnight. Elevated results can indicate prediabetes or diabetes.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Involves fasting overnight and then drinking a glucose solution. Blood glucose levels are measured at intervals (usually 2 hours) to evaluate how well the body handles glucose.
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test: Provides an average of blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. It is useful for diagnosing diabetes and monitoring long-term blood sugar control.
- Random Blood Glucose Test: Measures blood sugar levels at any time of the day without fasting, often used when symptoms of diabetes are present.
Additional Laboratory Tests:
- C-Peptide Test: Measures the level of C-peptide, which helps assess insulin production and differentiate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- Fructosamine Test: Measures average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 weeks, used in specific cases where HbA1c is not suitable.
Assessment of Diabetes Complications:
- Lipid Profile: Evaluates cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can be affected by diabetes and contribute to cardiovascular risk.
- Kidney Function Tests: Includes tests like serum creatinine and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio to assess kidney function and screen for diabetic nephropathy.
- Eye Examination: A dilated eye exam to check for diabetic retinopathy or other vision issues related to diabetes.
- Foot Examination: Checks for neuropathy and foot health, including sensation and blood flow, to prevent diabetic foot ulcers.
Risk Assessment:
- Body Mass Index (BMI): Measures body fat based on height and weight, helping assess risk for type 2 diabetes.
- Waist Circumference: Assesses abdominal fat, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Lifestyle and Behavioral Assessment:
- Dietary Evaluation: Reviews eating habits and nutritional intake to identify areas for improvement.
- Physical Activity Assessment: Evaluates current exercise levels and provides recommendations for increasing physical activity.