What endocrine tests should be performed for high blood sugar

It is usually recommended to have an endocrinology department check fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, insulin release test, and C-peptide release test for high blood sugar. High blood sugar may be related to genetic factors, bad eating habits, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and other factors, and the cause needs to be determined through professional examination.

1. Fasting blood glucose

Fasting blood glucose is the basic item for diagnosing abnormal blood glucose, which requires fasting for 8-12 hours before collecting venous blood for testing. The normal value range is 3.9-6.1 mmol/L. If it exceeds 7.0 mmol/L, you should be alert to diabetes. Three days before the examination, one should maintain a normal diet and avoid vigorous exercise or emotional fluctuations that may affect the accuracy of the results.

2. 2-hour postprandial blood glucose

2-hour postprandial blood glucose reflects the functional status of pancreatic beta cells. Timing starts from the first bite of food and blood is collected for testing 2 hours later. The normal value should be lower than 7.8 mmol/L. If it reaches 11.1 mmol/L, it can help diagnose diabetes. This examination can detect early abnormalities in glucose metabolism, especially for individuals with normal fasting blood glucose but high-risk factors.

3. Glycated hemoglobin

Glycated hemoglobin can reflect the average blood glucose level in the past 2-3 months and is not affected by short-term diet or exercise. The normal value range is 4% -6%, and more than 6.5% has diagnostic value for diabetes. This indicator helps evaluate the long-term effectiveness of blood glucose control, but anemic patients may experience pseudo underestimation results.

4. Insulin release test

The insulin release test involves taking 75 grams of glucose orally and collecting blood multiple times to dynamically observe the insulin secretion curve. The peak of insulin in healthy individuals occurs between 30-60 minutes and returns to baseline within 2 hours. Type 2 diabetes patients often show delayed peak or insufficient secretion, while type 1 diabetes shows a low flat curve.

5. C-peptide release test

C-peptide release test can accurately evaluate pancreatic beta cell function, especially suitable for patients who have been treated with insulin. C-peptide secretes molecules such as insulin but has a longer half-life, with a normal fasting value of 0.3-1.3 nanograms per milliliter. This examination can identify the type of diabetes and determine whether there is insulin resistance.

It is recommended to maintain a regular daily routine and avoid high sugar diets and alcohol consumption for the first 3 days of the examination. Carry medical records on the day of inspection and wear loose clothing for easy blood collection. After diagnosis, regular monitoring of blood sugar is necessary, adjusting dietary structure according to doctor's advice, engaging in appropriate aerobic exercise, and strictly following medical advice for medication. Pay attention to foot care daily to prevent complications of diabetes.