Begin by eating healthy foods, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight. With proper monitoring of glucose, along with diabetes medications or insulin therapy, you can easily maintain your blood sugar levels . Recently in June 2009, an international committee composed of experts from the American Diabetes Association, the European Association for the Study of Diabetes and the International Diabetes Federation recommended these tests for type 2 diabetes:
- Glycated haemoglobin (A1C) test -
indicates your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. An A1C level of 6.5 percent or higher on two separate tests indicates you have diabetes. A result between 6 and 6.5 percent is considered prediabetes, which indicates a high risk of developing diabetes.
- Random blood sugar test -
A blood sample taken at any time during the day gives your random blood sugar level; 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher suggests diabetes.
- Fasting blood sugar test -
A blood sample is taken early morning on an empty stomach gives your fasting blood sugar level. Less than 100 mg/dL is normal. 100 to 125 mg/dL is considered pre-diabetes. If it is 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests, you have diabetes.
- Oral glucose tolerance test -
Fasting blood sugar level is measured and then you drink a sugary liquid following which your sugar levels are tested periodically for the next few hours. A reading of more than 200 mg/dL after two hours indicates diabetes. A reading between 140 and 199 mg/dL indicates pre-diabetes.
If diagnosed with diabetes
A routine screening is required beginning at the age of 45 years, especially if you are overweight. For those under the age of 45 who have heart disease or diabetes as risk factors, live a sedentary lifestyle, have had gestational diabetes or have blood pressure, regular screening is necessary.
If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you need to check your A1C levels two to four times in a year. Your A1C should be maintained below 7 per cent. A higher A1C level signals an alteration in your medication and meal plan.
Routine blood and urine testing, cholesterol levels in the blood, thyroid, liver and kidney function, regular eye and foot examinations are necessary to prevent complications from diabetes.