If your healthcare provider believes you may have type 1 diabetes, you will need certain exams and tests. You should expect to be asked questions about your health history, your symptoms, risk factors and family history of disease. Understanding your background will help your provider make a diagnosis.
Your provider may also give you a physical exam that includes one or more of the following tests.
An A1C test is a blood test that measures average blood glucose levels over a span of three months.
In an autoantibody test, the blood is tested for the presence of autoantibodies, which are often present with type 1 diabetes.
A fasting plasma glucose test is a blood test that measures blood glucose levels after a night of not eating.
A lipid panel is a set of blood tests used to monitor cholesterol levels and measure triglycerides.
A random blood sugar test is a blood test that measures blood glucose levels at any time.
This blood test is used to determine thyroid function. TSH levels that are too high or low may indicate a problem with the thyroid, which helps maintain metabolism.
A urine test determines if the urine has ketones, which the body makes when burning fat for energy. The presence of ketones indicates type 1 diabetes over type 2.
This is a test used to detect very small levels of protein in your urine. It can help detect early signs of kidney damage.
