Diagnosing Diabetes

It is important to know about diabetes symptoms and risk factors. If any of the symptoms are present or you are at high risk, contact your physician to set up a screening. Diabetes is usually diagnosed with a fasting blood sugar. A blood sample will be drawn from your finger or from a vein in your arm after you have gone for at least eight hours without eating or drinking anything.

A fasting blood sugar of 126 mg/dl or higher indicates that you have diabetes. It can also be diagnosed if a random blood sugar test (done any time during the day) shows a 200 mg/d or higher result.

Either test should be confirmed on a second day to make the diagnosis - unless you have significant diabetes symptoms. The blood test must be done on a laboratory instrument in a clinic or hospital since home glucose monitors are not accurate enough to diagnose diabetes.

We offer outpatient services including our diabetes and pregnancy program and support/outreach groups.

For more information about our Diabetes Wellness Services, contact us at 605-622-5588.