Diabetes Profile Mini Test

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that causes the blood sugar levels to increase beyond the reference range. Usually the fasting and post meal levels are measured for diagnosis. Along with this, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is also  measured to give an estimate of the average sugar levels measured over three months. In patients diagnosed as type 2 diabetes, there are other tests also performed as increased glucose levels sometimes affects other systems like the heart and kidneys. Diabetes profile, Mini is thus a comprehensive profile that includes a group of 4 tests that is often done in diabetic patients to know the impact of the disease on the other systems. 

Overview

A common metabolic disease, diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels rise above the normal range. As it affects people of all ages, one must have a full body profile done regularly to make sure there is no risk of developing any serious medical concerns.

As part of the mini diabetes profile, both fasting blood sugar (FBS), as well as post-meal blood sugar (Glucose PP), are assessed for how well a person's diabetes is controlled. The glycated haemoglobin (Hb1Ac) test determines the average blood sugar levels over the last three months. In patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, additional tests of the heart and kidneys are also recommended.

Why is a mini diabetes profile done?

• Only testing blood sugar levels does not give a complete picture of the body's current condition.
• A mini diabetes profile is a complete package that checks for the impact of the disease on other organs as well.
• Diabetes patients need continuous monitoring of their blood sugar as the disease affects the body in different ways.

The mini diabetes profile is suggested for people who have the following:

• A family history of diabetes and heart disease
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Are smokers
• Are morbidly obese
• Suffer from excessive thirst
• Urinate often
• Increased appetites
• Sudden weight loss
• Frequent mood swings
• Fruity-smelling breath
• Blurry vision
• Increased feeling of fatigue
• Suffer yeast infections in the genitals
• Slow healing wounds
   

Written by: Dr.Shibani R, Medical Writer, Medical Affairs