Glucose

• A fasting blood glucose test is the preferred method for diagnosing diabetes and pre-diabetes. After an eight-hour fast, the glucose test measures the blood glucose levels in the body. Based on the levels of blood glucose in the body, a physician can determine whether a patient has diabetes or pre-diabetes.
  
  

A1c (Hemoglobin or glycohemoglobin)

• If a patient has been diagnosed with diabetes, this test is helpful in monitoring her condition. This test is typically conducted several times annually because it measures the average level of glucose available in the patient's blood over a two- to three-month period. The A1c test is especially helpful because a physician can measure the efficacy of previous diabetes treatments and adjust medications or insulin accordingly.
  
  

Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose

• This test is performed on a daily basis by patients with diabetes in order to ensure their glucose levels are well managed. The self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) test helps patients know if adjustments should be made to their diet, whether an insulin injection was effective or whether they should delay physical activity due to low blood sugar levels. This test can be accomplished via a simple pinprick to the patient's finger.
  
  

Dilated Eye Exam

• One of the unfortunate side effects of diabetes is diminished vision due to a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. High blood sugar levels can damage parts of the eye, particularly the retina, which can cause vision to blur and eventually lead to severe impairment or blindness. During dilated eye exams, the physician examines the patients eyes to find blood vessel damage before the condition can advance. If retinopathy is discovered, a physician can recommend treatment methods.
  
  

Foot Exam

• Diabetes also can cause nerve damage to the feet and legs. When a small foot injury, such as a cut or sore, occurs, a diabetic may not notice or treat the injury. Because wounds heal more slowly on diabetic patients than others, it is important for a medical professional to regularly examine a diabetic's feet to ensure no damage or non-healing wounds have occurred.