It is recommended that adults with a normal glucose (sugar) level be tested for diabetes every three years.
Annual tests should be done if you have increased risks such as being overweight, inactive and a family history of diabetes.
Most people do not have any symptoms when they develop type 2 diabetes. However, when the levels of glucose in the blood are particularly high (this is common in type 1 diabetes), symptoms can include weight loss, tiredness and lack of energy, excessive thirst, blurred vision, increased infections and frequent urination.
Occasionally, the onset of diabetes can be abrupt. This is particularly the case with type 1 diabetes. The symptoms include: Loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, excessive passing of urine, altered consciousness and coma.
Seek immediate medical advice if these symptoms occur.
So – should you have a sugar test? A good rule is YES – if you think you need a test you probably do. Ensure your Doctor does one as a routine as detailed above. A blood sugar level takes less then a minute to have a result.
