Diabetes mellitus advice from endocrinologist Marina Volodina

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease associated with impaired carbohydrate metabolism, which can lead to high blood sugar levels. Only a doctor can diagnose diabetes mellitus, and this requires special medical and laboratory tests.

The following are the most common methods of diagnosing diabetes mellitus:

Blood test for glycemia (blood glucose level). This is the most common and reliable way to diagnose diabetes mellitus. A blood test for glycemia is usually performed after 8-12 hours of night fasting. Normal blood glucose levels are in the range of 70-100 mg/dl (3.9-5.6 mmol/L). If the blood glucose level exceeds this level, there may be a suspicion of diabetes mellitus.

Analysis of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). This analysis shows how much glucose binds to hemoglobin in the blood over the past 2-3 months. The normal HbA1c level is less than 5.7%. If the HbA1c level exceeds 6.5%, this may indicate the presence of diabetes mellitus.

Glucose tolerance test (TSH). This test allows you to assess how quickly the body processes glucose. The patient is given a glucose solution to drink, after which several blood tests for glycemia are performed for 2-3 hours. If the blood glucose level after 2 hours exceeds 200 mg/ dl (11.1 mmol/L), this may indicate the presence of diabetes mellitus.

If you have a suspicion of diabetes, be sure to consult a doctor who will conduct all the necessary research and make a diagnosis. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe treatment and recommendations