Diabetes Melitus

What is the test ?

Diabetes is a disease in which too little or ineffective insulin is produced by the organ
called the pancreas. As a result, people with diabetes have abnormally high levels of
glucose in their blood.

A blood sample is taken to check the fasting blood sugar levels.

Why is the test done ?

A high fasting blood sugar level >= 7.0 mmol/L may indicate you have diabetes. If you have an intermediate result of fasting blood glucose 6.1 to 6.9 mmol/L , your doctor will order a further test called a 75 gram OGTT.

Diabetes is associated with many complications , such as increased risk of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke. Early detection and treatment helps to slow down or prevent the complications.

Who should do this test ?

Screening for diabetes should begin at 40 years. Screening should be considered at
an earlier age e.g. 30 years if you:
● are overweight / obese [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2]
● have high blood pressure (BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg)
● have a close relative who has diabetes
● had diabetes during pregnancy
● suffer from coronary heart disease
● have abnormal lipid (fat) levels
● have previously been confirmed with a borderline high fasting blood sugar level.

How is the test done ?

You need to be fasted overnight from 10 pm. Only plain water is allowed. A blood sample is then taken and sent for analysis.

For patients with diabetes, additional tests like HbA1c, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and eye and foot screening need to be done.