Testing for Diabetes

Causal plasma glucose is a concentration greater than 200mg/dl along with the following symptoms:

• Frequent urination
• Frequent thirst
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Persistent vaginal infection for women
• Irritability

Causal plasma glucose is a glucose level that is normal prior to testing.

Fasting plasma glucose is greater than 126 mg/dl when you have had no food for 8 hours.

My glucose level 1 1/2 hours after eating a bowl of regular oatmeal was 385 mg/dl, hence the reason I got so upset when I heard what the number was.  If you have not had your glucose tested within the last year, it should be something you ask your health care provider at your next visit.  Do not be caught by surprise the way I was.

Blood glucose is greater than 200 mg/dl when tested after 2 hours for an oral glucose tolerance test.  To do this test, a person must fast for 8 hours and then ingest 75 grams of glucose.