Diabetes Monitoring & Testing

Diagnosing Diabetes

Glucose tolerance tests are used to diagnose diabetes and pre-diabetes.

A fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test or an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)  may be used to measure blood sugar levels. Both tests require fasting so that food does not distort the results.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

An FDA-approved device that records blood sugar levels throughout the day and night. The system measure an average blood sugar for up to three days, while the person continues regular activities at home. CGM is used to determine trends in glucose levels to help your healthcare team make appropriate decisions for your treatment plan. It can help identify fluctuations and trends that would otherwise go unnoticed with standard HbA1c tests and finger stick measurements.

A tiny glucose-sensing device (sensor) is inserted under the skin of the abdomen. The sensor regularly measures the level of glucose in the tissue and sends the information via a wire to a monitor attached to a belt or pant waistline. The system automatically records an average glucose value every 5 minutes for up to 72 hours.

Results of at least four finger stick blood sugar readings taken with a standard glucose meter at different times each day are also entered into the monitor. Any insulin taken, exercise activities, and food consumed are recorded and also entered into the monitor.

After three days, the sensor is removed and the information stored in the device is downloaded into a computer, which generates reports that help identify glucose patterns that need improvement. You and the diabetes team review the collected data and make any necessary adjustments in your diabetes management plan.

Your doctor may determine that you would benefit from having your own CGM device to wear on a regular basis to help you detect and treat low or high blood sugars throughout the day. Our endocrinologists and diabetes nurse educators can help you get started with this.

On-Site, Rapid A1c Measurement

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measurements are important for monitoring blood sugar control in patients with diabetes. Rapid A1c testing (results ready in 6 minutes) in the Diabetes Clinic provides more efficient patient care and improved diabetes management.

An HbA1c test measures the amount of glycated hemoglobin in the blood. Glycated hemoglobin is a substance in red blood cells formed when blood sugar attaches to hemoglobin. This test measures a person’s blood sugar control over several months. In general, the higher a person’s HbA1c, the higher the risk of developing complications such as eye disease, heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage and stroke.