I have had diabetes for the past few years. I was under oral diabetes medicines,…
I have had diabetes for the past few years. I was under oral diabetes medicines, but I stopped all medication for the last two months. I take alcohol and have a habit of chewing tobacco. I have not checked my blood sugars after stopping the tablets. What tests should I do before I consult a diabetes specialist?
There are a couple of tests to do. Every specialist will prescribe you their set of tests. It is not good to get your tests done and approach your specialist. But the following tests will include all which your doctor will recommend. Since you have been off tablets for many days, the first test you may need to do is Random Blood Sugar. The following day, Fasting blood sugar at 8 A.M and then two and half hours after breakfast or lunch PP(postprandial blood sugar). Since you haven't checked your blood sugar for two months, there is another test for that. It is called HbA1c. This test is for seeing your blood sugar for the past three months. You will also have to check for Urine sugar levels. This will help tell whether excess sugar in the blood is coming into the urine. Lastly, you may have to do one more test is Fasting Lipid Profile. Apart from all this, getting your tests done only after undergoing a good clinical examination is always recommended. So please meet your family doctor before you get any tests done.
Read more about glycemic index.