This guide explains the key criteria and medical tests used to diagnose diabetes. It covers risk groups like overweight individuals, pregnant women, and those with symptoms. Lab measures such as A1c, fasting plasma glucose, and oral glucose tolerance tests are crucial for accurate diagnosis. The information helps patients and healthcare providers understand the diagnostic process, emphasizing the importance of timely detection for effective management and treatment of diabetes.

How Diabetes Is Identified

Medical professionals recommend screening for diabetes based on specific risk factors and symptoms. Key groups for testing include:

Individuals with excess weight and additional risk elements

Overweight adults with a BMI over 25 kg/m²

Other risk factors (detailed in the risk factors section)

Persons showing signs of high blood sugar (refer to symptoms section)

Those with multiple risk factors

Pregnant women

Confirming diagnosis through laboratory tests:

Having an A1c level of 6.5% or above indicates diabetes

OR

Fasting blood glucose exceeding 126 mg/dL

OR

Blood glucose over 200 mg/dL two hours after a 75g glucose intake (OGTT)

OR

Presence of typical hyperglycemia symptoms (such as frequent urination, intense thirst, hunger) or a hyperglycemic crisis, with random blood glucose over 200 mg/dL