Doctor Decodes the Top 10 Frequently Used Terms Related to Diabetes and Diabetes Test

Have you ever felt confused about the medical terms your doctor uses during a consultation, especially a diabetes consultation? You're not alone. Many people think this way, and we're here to help.
Have those sessions ever gotten you feeling, "let's memorise the terms and will Google after getting out?"
Feeling overwhelmed by the complex medical terms related to diabetes is a common experience. Dr Poulami Sarkar, our Consultant Biochemist, understands this, and in this blog, she has simplified and explained the most commonly used terms related to diabetes and diabetes-related blood tests.

This guide will not only help you better understand diabetes but also build your confidence in your knowledge, whether you need it for yourself, loved ones, or general information. You can read this blog and feel reassured in your understanding of diabetes.

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

What is it?

An autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

How does it work?

The pancreas begins producing little to no insulin, which prevents glucose from entering cells to be used for energy.

Result?

People need lifelong insulin therapy to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

How to test?

This can be diagnosed with fasting blood sugar tests, autoantibody tests, and HbA1C tests.

Common Tests:

Fasting Blood Sugar, HbA1C, Autoantibody Panel.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

What is it?

It is a chronic condition in which the body's cells fail to respond to insulin.

How does it work?

The pancreas makes insulin, but cells ignore the signal, so blood sugar levels remain high.

Result?

Excess glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, and this condition often requires lifestyle management and medication.

How to test?

This condition can be screened for with tests such as RBS, FBS, and a glucose tolerance test.

Common Tests:

Fasting Blood Sugar, HbA1C, Random Blood Sugar, Glucose Tolerance Test.

What is Gestational Diabetes? 

What is it?

It is a condition caused during pregnancy where a person with no prior history of high blood sugar levels or diabetes experiences high blood sugar levels.

How does it work?

This condition occurs because the hormones produced during pregnancy cause cells to become resistant to insulin, leading to elevated glucose levels.

Result?

It is a reversible condition that mostly resolves after the delivery; however, it increases the risk of diabetes in the mother and child in the future.

How to test?

Blood sugar levels in these conditions are assessed using the oral glucose tolerance test and the glucose challenge test.

Common Tests:

Glucose Challenge test, Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

What is the Glycemic Index?

What is it?

This is a ranking method that rates carbohydrates by how quickly they raise blood sugar levels after consumption.

How does it work?

Food items with a high Glycemic Index (GI), such as rice, white bread, corn flakes, and potatoes, spike blood sugar levels quickly, whereas food items with a low GI, like fruits, lentils, milk, and yogurt, do not.

Result?

People with diabetes or at risk of pre-diabetes are always recommended to have low GI food items, as they help in managing blood sugar levels.

How to test?

Not a blood test, GI is measured in food studies; the effect is seen in postprandial glucose tests.

Common Tests:

Glucose Post-Prandial Test (after meals), Food GI charts.

What is HbA1C & HbA1C Test?

What is it?

It is a blood test that shows the percentage of haemoglobin that is bound to sugar. This test shows average glucose levels over the past 2-3 months.

How does it work?

If the results show higher levels, that means more glucose binds with haemoglobin.

Result?

This blood test helps assess long-term control of diabetes.

How to test?

A blood sample is taken anytime (no fasting needed)

Common Tests:

HbA1C Test

For More You Can Visit: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/diabetes/type-2-diabetes-its-symptoms-and-causes/

What is Fasting Blood Sugar & Fasting Blood Sugar Test?

What is it?

It is a blood test that measures the percentage of haemoglobin bound to sugar. This test shows average glucose levels over the past 2-3 months.

How does it work?

If the results show higher levels, that means more glucose binds with haemoglobin.

Result?

This blood test helps assess long-term control of diabetes.

How to test?

This is a simple blood test where a person has their blood drawn at any time (no fasting required).

Common Tests:

HbA1C Test

What is the Glucose Post-Paranidal & GPP Test?

What is it?

The glucose level is checked 2 hours after a meal.

How does it work?

Tests how well your body manages sugar after eating.

Result:

High results point to poor glucose tolerance or diabetes.

How to test?

Eat a meal, then have blood drawn exactly 2 hours after.

Common tests:

Glucose Post-Prandial Test (PPBS)

What is Insulin Resistance?

What is it?

Cells are less responsive to insulin.

How does it work?

Glucose can’t correctly enter cells; the pancreas releases extra insulin (hyperinsulinemia).

Result:

Sugar builds up in the blood, leading to prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

How to test?

Labs may assess fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, or C-peptide, along with glucose levels.

Common tests:

Fasting Insulin, HOMA-IR calculation, Fasting Blood Sugar.

What is Random Blood Sugar?

What is it?

Sugar level is measured at any time of day, regardless of food intake.

How does it work? 

Offers an immediate snapshot of glucose.

Result: 

Very high readings suggest diabetes.

How to test?

Blood sample taken at any time by the phlebotomist or with a glucometer.

Common tests: 

Random Blood Sugar Test.

What is Insulin Sensitivity?

What is it?

Cells respond well to insulin signals.

How does it work?

Insulin helps cells absorb glucose after meals for energy.

Result:

Maintains healthy blood sugar levels.

How to test?

Indirectly measured by fasting insulin and glucose levels, sometimes via an oral glucose tolerance test.

Common tests:

Fasting Insulin, OGTT, HOMA-IR.

Key Takeaway:

Understanding diabetes terminology and diagnostic tests is essential for effective management and prevention. By familiarizing yourself with key concepts such as insulin resistance, blood sugar tests, and the different types of diabetes, you gain the power to monitor and control your health proactively.

 Timely testing and appropriate follow-up with healthcare providers enable early intervention and reduce risks of complications. 

Remember, knowledge combined with regular monitoring is your strongest tool in the fight against diabetes, empowering you to live a healthier, fuller life.