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    Symptoms & Diagnosis

    Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism -- the way our bodies use digested food for growth and energy. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

    1. Signs & Symptoms of Diabetes

      The warning signs of diabetes can be so mild that you don't notice them. That's especially true of type 2 diabetes. With type 1 diabetes, the symptoms usually happen quickly, in a matter of days or a few weeks. 

    2. What to Expect at the Doctor's Office

      Diabetes and prediabetes are diagnosed with a fasting plasma glucose test, oral glucose tolerance test, or random plasma glucose test.

    3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Testing

      Although doctors don't routinely use it anymore, the oral glucose tolerance test is the gold standard for diagnosing type 2 diabetes. It's still commonly used to diagnose gestational diabetes, a condition that a woman can get while pregnant.

    4. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Testing

      The hemoglobin A1c test, also called HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin test, or glycohemoglobin, is an important blood  test that shows how well your diabetes is being controlled.

    5. Diabetes and Urine Testing

      Two simple tests that check your urine can help you and your doctor watch for kidney disease and severe high blood sugar.

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