Diabetes Tests | Aster Labs

Diabetes Tests Overview

Diabetes can be both an autoimmune condition as well as a chronic disease caused by varying lifestyle, dietary, and genetic factors. It is one of the most prevalent chronic medical conditions in India and requires a lifetime of moderation and treatment to keep it in check. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to various health concerns, which can shorten a person’s lifespan. Diabetes tests are not just used as specialised tests to diagnose the condition. Due to the disease’s nature, diabetes tests need to be done routinely to keep a close check on the patient’s blood sugar levels. Constant monitoring is one of the only ways to keep diabetes in check.

Why Are Diabetes Tests Prescribed?

Diabetes tests are prescribed based on symptoms. It can also be ordered voluntarily as a part of general health checkups. Some of the symptoms that warrant doctors to prescribe diabetes tests include unexplained weight loss, increased urinary frequency, slow healing wounds, and tingling in hands or feet.

Based on the test results, doctors can determine whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, which decides the treatment plan for your condition. If your blood sugar levels are normal, doctors may rule out diabetes as a cause of symptoms. However, diabetes check ups are still recommended to patients regularly if they have the symptoms mentioned above.

How Are Diabetes Tests Performed?

Diabetes screening tests are performed as regular blood tests. They are performed by drawing blood from the veins in the patient's forearms using a sterilised syringe. The sample is stored in an airtight vial and sent to the laboratory for testing. Diabetes tests may require fasting, so it is advisable that you know the prerequisites before going for the test.

Home Sample Collection

Diabetes check ups require blood sugar fasting testing, which needs the blood to be drawn after fasting for up to 12 hours. At Aster, we offer home sample collection to make going through this process easier. Simply opt for home sample collection during diabetes test booking online, and our experts will reach your location at the predetermined time to collect your blood sample.

How To Prepare For Diabetes Tests?

Diabetes tests have certain prerequisites patients must follow. Fasting may be required for up to 12 hours before the test. Patients are required to not eat or drink anything during the fasting period. To learn more about the test prerequisites, please be sure to discuss them with your doctor or call our centre personnel to know more about diabetes screening test prerequisites.

What Do Diabetes Test Results Mean?

Diabetes test results are presented as the level of blood sugar in your body. If the levels are higher than the normal blood sugar levels, it could mean you have diabetes. Further diagnostic testing is ordered by doctors in such cases to understand the type of diabetes and create a personalised treatment plan.