Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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IDDM - Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Diagnosis & Tests
How is the disease diagnosed?
A medical history and physical exam often lead a doctor to suspect type 1 diabetes. Diabetes is diagnosed on the basis of a high glucose level in the blood.
A blood sample can be measured at a random time or after an 8-hour fast. After an 8-hour fast, the normal blood glucose level is less than 110 mg/dL, or milligrams per deciliter. A fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate days usually indicates diabetes.
When blood is taken randomly or without fasting first, a blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher on two separate days usually indicates diabetes.
Additional blood tests can help distinguish between type 1 diabetes and other types of diabetes. The level of ketones, for example, can be measured. Ketones are usually elevated only in type 1 diabetes.