In Canada, over 3.5 million people have diabetes. Of these, about 90% have type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are diagnosed similarly. Tests used to diagnose diabetes include:
- Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test: this blood test measures your average blood sugar level for the past 2-3 months. An A1C of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests would mean a diagnosis of diabetes.
If an A1C test is unavailable, or cannot be used, your doctor may use these tests:
- Random blood sugar test: a blood sample is taken at a random time, regardless of when you last ate. A blood sugar of 11.1 mmol/L or higher suggests diabetes, when occurring with any of the signs and symptoms discussed above.
- An oral glucose tolerance test: a blood sample is taken 2 hours after you consume an 8-ounce syrup containing 75 grams of sugar. A blood sugar of 11.1 mmol/L or higher suggests diabetes, when occurring with any of the signs and symptoms discussed above.
- Fasting blood sugar test: a blood sample is taken after a 12-hour fast. A fasting blood sugar level of 7 mmol/L or higher on two separate tests would be a diagnosis of diabetes.
