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.
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.
Diabetes and prediabetes are diagnosed with a fasting plasma glucose test, oral glucose tolerance test, or random plasma glucose test.
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.
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.
Two simple tests that check your urine can help you and your doctor watch for kidney disease and severe high blood sugar.