Diabetic Screen
Glucose
Glucose is the primary energy source for the body's cells and the only energy source for the brain and nervous system. A steady supply must be available for use, and a relatively constant level of glucose must be maintained in the blood.
During digestion, fruits, vegetables, breads and other dietary sources of carbohydrates are broken down into glucose (and other nutrients); they are absorbed by the small intestine and circulated throughout the body. A blood glucose test may be used to:
- Detect high blood glucose (hyperglycemia) and low blood glucose (hypoglycemia)
- Screen for diabetes in people who are at risk before signs and symptoms are apparent. Help diagnose diabetes, prediabetes and gestational diabetes
- Monitor glucose levels in people diagnosed with diabetes
Severe, acute changes in blood glucose, either high or low, can be life-threatening, causing organ failure, brain damage, coma, and, in extreme cases, death. Chronically high blood glucose levels can cause progressive damage to body organs such as the kidneys, eyes, heart and blood vessels, and nerves. Chronic hypoglycemia can lead to brain and nerve damage.
Some women may develop gestational diabetes, which is hyperglycemia that occurs during pregnancy. If untreated, this can cause these mothers to give birth to large babies who may have low glucose levels. Women who have had gestational diabetes may or may not go on to develop diabetes.
Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c)
The HbA1c test evaluates the average amount of glucose in the blood over the last 2 to 3 months by measuring the percentage of glycated hemoglobin in the blood.
An HbA1c test may be used to screen for and diagnose diabetes or risk of developing diabetes. HbA1c is also used to monitor treatment for individuals diagnosed with diabetes. It helps to evaluate how well an individual’s glucose levels have been controlled by treatment over time. For monitoring purposes, an HbA1c of less than 6.5% indicates good glucose control and a lower risk of diabetic complications for the majority of people with diabetes.
eAG (estimated Average Glucose)
The HbA1c test report may include an estimated Average Glucose (eAG) reading, which is a calculated result based on the HbA1c levels. The estimated Average Glucose reflects indirectly the glucose level over a period of 2-3 months before the HbA1c measurement.
The purpose of reporting eAG is to help an individual relate HbA1c results to everyday glucose monitoring levels and to laboratory glucose tests.
Source: Testing.com - https://www.testing.com/
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