Question

What tests are needed to diagnose type-1 vs. type 2 diabetes mellitus?

Answer 1

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic diseases that results in elevated blood sugar. Insulin secreted by Beta cells of islets of langerhans is responsible to transport the sugar into your cells that acts as a source of energy. Types of diabetes mellitus : type 1 diabetes mellitus occurs due to attack and destroy cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes occurs when resistant to insulin develops secondary to intake of more carbohydrate diet ,obesity.

Diagnosis of type 1 vs type 2 diabetes mellitus :

Random blood sugar test is the first line screening test for type 1 diabetes. RBS helps to detect levels of glucose in the blood after the intake of food. A needle is used to prick the finger to draw a small drop of blood. The normal value ranges from 70-140 mg/dl.

Glycosylated hemoglobin: It is the average blood glucose level of a person for a period of 2-3 months before the test. HbA1c levels ranges between 4%to 5.6% is considered normal value of 6.5% is considered as diabetic or higher risk for developing diabetes.

Fasting blood sugar : Blood sample is taken in a fasting state in which patient fast at least 8- 12 hours.The normal FBS is less than 100 mg/dl. Value above 120 is considered as diabetic.

Oral glucose tolerance test: helps to diagnose type 2 diabetes. It is used to detect insulin resistance. Patient should be in fasting for 8 hours.A fasting blood sugar is drawn and 75 gm of oral dose of glucose in 300 ml of water  is ingested to the patient and ask him to drink with in 3-5 minutes. Blood and urine samples are collected for 2 hours at 30 minute interval after taking glucose.