Around 30 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, and up to ten million more may have diabetes and not know about it. Type 2 diabetes, which emerges later in life and can result from lifestyle as well as hereditary factors, is the most common form of the disorder. While increasingly common in the United States, this form of diabetes is largely preventable, and early detection is critical to reducing long-term health risks. Medical Offices of Manhattan offers a blood glucose test, or A1C test, to help our patients find out if they are diabetic or pre-diabetic, allowing us to work with them on a treatment plan.
How Do You Prepare For Diabetes Screening Test?
Before taking a blood glucose test, you’ll be required to fast, not eating or drinking anything other than water for the eight hours immediately prior to your appointment. You may want to schedule your appointment first thing in the morning so that the fast will take place while you are asleep overnight. You should tell your doctor about any medications that you’re currently taking, as some drugs may affect your blood glucose levels. You may be asked to temporarily stop using some medications before your diabetes screening.
Why is a A1C Blood Test Performed?
If left untreated, diabetes can have serious long-term effects on your body, including kidney damage, increased risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and circulatory issues that can cause swelling of the hands and feet and in extreme cases may result in complete loss of function in these areas. If not addressed, the effects of diabetes can even be fatal. If you get an A1C blood test, we can give you the broadest possible array of treatment options and come up with a plan that will help you avoid the worst effects of the disorder.
What Can You Expect During A Diabetes Screening Test?
A diabetes screening requires blood to be drawn, usually from a small prick to the finger. Your blood sample will be sent to the lab to be tested, and your doctor will contact you later to share the results of your screening.
What Is The Follow Up Like For A Diabetes Test?
Your doctor will contact you to discuss your results following the screening. A normal blood glucose level usually falls in the range of 70-100 milligrams per deciliter. Screening results higher than this may indicate that you have diabetes or prediabetes. If an abnormal result is found, your doctor will provide you with treatment options that may include changes to your diet, recommended exercises, insulin, or other medication.
What Are The Potential Costs For A Blood Glucose Test?
Diabetes screenings are covered under Medicare and most insurance plans. Contact your insurance provider to find out your level of coverage.
What Are The Potential Risks For A Diabetes Screening?
The risks of getting a diabetes screening are far outweighed by the risks of leaving diabetes or prediabetes undiagnosed. There is a small chance that patients with certain conditions may get a false positive result on the screening. We are rigorous in our testing procedures and do everything possible to ensure an accurate result.
Are There Other Related Tests To A Diabetes Screening?
Medical Offices of Manhattan also offers screenings for a variety of other conditions, including anemia and several types of cancer.
Emmanuel Gelin, MD is a board-certified internist and infectious disease specialist treating patients in Brooklyn, New York, and the surrounding communities. He holds certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine in both internal medicine and infectious disease. Dr. Gelin is also a member of... Learn More »
