Diabetes Diagnosis and Treatment

Which of the following blood glucose lab values, on two separate days, is NOT a diagnostic criterion for diabetes?

A patient presents with a casual blood glucose of 220. What does this suggest?

What is the primary purpose of the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)?

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

How often does the HbA1c test reflect a patient's blood glucose levels?

Why is the HbA1c test considered a long-term indicator of blood glucose control?

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the treatment goals for diabetes?

Which of the following is NOT a common oral antidiabetic medication?

Diabetes Diagnosis

Casual blood glucose over 200: This test measures blood sugar without regard to the patient's last meal. Also known as a random blood sugar test. Fluctuations outside of normal range can signify a problem, as blood glucose levels in non-diabetics do not drastically change throughout the day.
Fasting blood glucose over 126: This test assesses baseline blood glucose when the body isn't digesting food. Typically performed first thing in the morning.
Glucose over 200 with oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): The OGTT measures initial blood sugar, then after a glucose solution is consumed, blood sugar is measured again. This test evaluates how the body processes sugar.
HgB A1c over 6.5%: A longer-term assessment of average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. It measures the percentage of a patient's hemoglobin coated in sugar.

Diabetes Treatment

Type 1 Diabetes: Treatment is insulin. Insulin is required for life, as the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes: Treatment may involve insulin, but typically starts with oral antidiabetic medications.
Oral antidiabetic medications: These medications supplement insulin production, rather than directly replacing insulin. They will not work for type 1 diabetics because the pancreas cannot produce insulin that can be encouraged by the medication.
Treatment goal: To achieve an Hgb A1c level below 7%.

Explore the key tests used to diagnose diabetes, including blood glucose measurements and the HbA1c test. Understand the treatment approaches for Type 1 diabetes, focusing on the role of insulin. Test your knowledge of these critical aspects of diabetes management.