6 Tests Diabetic People Should Take

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are about 422 million people in the world who have diabetes. It is also the reason for approximately 1.5 million deaths every year.

People with diabetes are also at high risk for heart, kidney, and eye disease. That is why it is important to continue monitoring yourself, especially if you have it in your family history. Once you have diabetes, you’ll have to be careful and monitor your glucose levels, carb intake, and insulin injection. If it further progresses, you might need to go on dialysis.

If you want to prevent it, here are some tests that you can take:

 

  1. A1C

HbA1C is a blood test that measures your average blood glucose for the past two to three months. If the result is below 5.7 percent, then you’re still in the clear. But if you have 5.7 to 6.4 percent, it’s time to sound the alarm bells because you are already in the prediabetes stage. A blood glucose level of 6.5 and above already means you have diabetes. 

You should take this test every 6 months if the results are still within the normal range and every 3 months if your glucose level is already above the A1C normal range.

 

  1. Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR)

Too much albumin in your urine can show signs of kidney damage. The ACR test will help determine your albumin levels to ensure that it is still within the normal range.

Chronic kidney disease is one of the diseases that diabetes can lead you to. Early detection will allow you to start early treatment. It will also allow you to manage your blood glucose and blood pressure, so the possibility of chronic kidney disease won’t further progress.

If you have had Type 1 diabetes for at least five years or currently have Type 2 diabetes, you are recommended to take this test once a year. If your test is above the normal range, it is advised that you take this test more often.

 

  1. Blood Pressure

Those who have diabetes should also be wary of their blood pressure. Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood flow in your blood vessels. Normal blood pressure level should be less than 140/90 mmHg.

Diabetes increases the risk of high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, problems with vision, and kidney disease.

Testing your blood pressure is a fairly easy procedure. There are even home kits that will allow you to take your own blood pressure. It would be good to check it every now and then.

 

  1. Bone Mineral Density

People with Type 1 and 2 diabetes are also at high risk for hip fractures and osteoporosis. That’s why taking the bone mineral density test is also a good idea.

This test helps estimate the density of your bones and how likely they will break. The target T-score is -1.0 or above. If you have a T-score between -1.0 and -2.5, then this means you have low bone density. If you have a result of -2.5 and below, it means you have osteoporosis and will need medication.

 

  1. Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index is a measurement of fat based on your height and weight. This will indicate if you are healthy, overweight, or obese. If you are overweight or obese, then it’s your cue that you need to start losing weight.

 

  1. Cholesterol and Triglycerides

Cholesterol is the waxy, fat-like substance in your blood, while Triglycerides are the blood fats that circulate in your bloodstream. Taking a lipid panel test will help you measure your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Diabetes increases your chances of bad LDL which can lead to cardiovascular diseases. Taking this test will depend on your age and other health factors.