What criteria are used for diagnosing diabetes?

What criteria are used for diagnosing diabetes?

• A. Fasting plasma glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL
• B. A1C ≥ 6.0%
• C. A fasting plasma glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL
• D. A 1-hour plasma glucose ≥ 150 mg/dL

Answer: (C)

Diagnosing diabetes is based on specific criteria established by health organizations, and one of the primary diagnostic measures is the fasting plasma glucose test. A fasting plasma glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher is recognized as diagnostic of diabetes. This criterion is vital because it indicates that the body is experiencing impaired glucose regulation, a hallmark of diabetes. The fasting plasma glucose test is preferred as it provides a clear indication of how the body manages glucose after a period of fasting, typically at least eight hours. When the level reaches or exceeds 126 mg/dL, it suggests that the body's insulin response is inadequate to manage blood sugar levels effectively, leading to a diagnosis of diabetes. In contrast, while a fasting plasma glucose of 100 mg/dL may suggest prediabetes, it does not meet the threshold for a diabetes diagnosis. Similarly, an A1C of 6.0% indicates a higher risk but not diabetes. Also, a 1-hour plasma glucose level does not directly correspond to a diabetes diagnosis; it is often part of a glucose tolerance test, focusing primarily on diagnosing gestational diabetes or assessing glucose response rather than providing definitive diagnostic criteria for diabetes.

Diagnosing diabetes is based on specific criteria established by health organizations, and one of the primary diagnostic measures is the fasting plasma glucose test. A fasting plasma glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher is recognized as diagnostic of diabetes. This criterion is vital because it indicates that the body is experiencing impaired glucose regulation, a hallmark of diabetes.

The fasting plasma glucose test is preferred as it provides a clear indication of how the body manages glucose after a period of fasting, typically at least eight hours. When the level reaches or exceeds 126 mg/dL, it suggests that the body's insulin response is inadequate to manage blood sugar levels effectively, leading to a diagnosis of diabetes.

In contrast, while a fasting plasma glucose of 100 mg/dL may suggest prediabetes, it does not meet the threshold for a diabetes diagnosis. Similarly, an A1C of 6.0% indicates a higher risk but not diabetes. Also, a 1-hour plasma glucose level does not directly correspond to a diabetes diagnosis; it is often part of a glucose tolerance test, focusing primarily on diagnosing gestational diabetes or assessing glucose response rather than providing definitive diagnostic criteria for diabetes.