Diagnosis & Treatment

Our team of diabetes specialists offer diabetic testing within a compassionate and caring environment. Supported by our experienced diabetes nurses, diabetes can be diagnosed with simple blood tests. A prompt diagnosis is important to ensure the condition is managed quickly and properly, to avoid future complications.

Blood tests to diagnose diabetes include:

• A1C test: This test can indicate your blood sugar levels over the past few months by measuring how much blood sugar is attached to hemoglobin. The more sugar there is in the blood, the more hemoglobin with attached sugar will be present. A level of 6.5% indicates diabetes and a level between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes.
• Fasting blood sugar test: A blood sample is taken after fasting since the night before and measures the blood sugar level. Levels of 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher indicate diabetes and a level between 100 and 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) indicates prediabetes.
• Glucose tolerance test: After fasting overnight, your doctor will provide a sugary liquid to drink and blood sugar levels are measured over 2 hours. Levels of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) after 2 hours indicate diabetes and levels between 140 and 199 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L and 11.0 mmol/L) indicate prediabetes.
• Random blood sugar test: Blood sugar levels are tested at a random time, regardless of what you have eaten. A level of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or more means you have diabetes.

Treatment for diabetes

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, treatment will involve ongoing monitoring and management of blood sugar levels. This may involve insulin, which is either injected or taken orally. Adopting healthy behaviors, such as taking regular exercise, eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight, are important parts of managing diabetes.

Treating type 1 diabetes involves injecting insulin either yourself or via a pump, monitoring the amount of carbohydrates you eat and frequent blood sugar level checks.

Treating type 2 diabetes involves adapting your lifestyle to improve your diet and maintain a healthy weight. Regular blood sugar level monitoring is important and oral insulin or other medications may be needed.

Monitoring blood sugar

Blood sugar testing is essential in managing diabetes and ensuring you remain within a target range. Diabetics may need to check their blood sugar levels several times a day – more if they are prescribed insulin or less if they have type 2 diabetes and aren’t taking medication.

Glucose levels can be monitored via a continuous glucose monitor, which is attached to the skin and reduces the number of finger prick tests.

In addition to glucose tests, regular A1C tests will be needed so your doctor can review how well your diabetes management is working and make adjustments if needed.

Compassionate diabetes care

Our diabetes doctors and nurses are here to guide you through your diabetes management. We work with every patient to offer education, support and guidance to help you manage your blood sugar levels. Talk to our diabetes specialists in Dubai today.