Question 1

What is Diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels that can damage organs over time. It is caused by insufficient insulin production from the pancreas or the body's inability to use insulin effectively (insulin resistance). The Hemoglobin A1c With eAG Estimation is the most important test for diabetes because it measures average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months.

Question 2

What causes diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes is caused by the pancreas producing insufficient insulin or the body developing insulin resistance, where cells cannot respond properly to insulin signals. In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, resulting in little to no insulin production. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin over time, often due to genetic factors, excess body weight, physical inactivity, and poor dietary habits that overwhelm the insulin-producing system.

Question 3

What is the best test for diabetes?

Accepted Answer

The Hemoglobin A1c With eAG Estimation is the most important test for diabetes because it measures your average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, providing a comprehensive view of glucose control rather than a single snapshot. This test shows what percentage of your hemoglobin is coated with sugar, with levels of 6.5% or higher indicating diabetes. For comprehensive monitoring, the Comprehensive Metabolic Profile is also essential as it measures current glucose levels and assesses kidney function through eGFR, helping detect diabetic complications early. Additional tests like the Kidney Function Profile and Microalbumin test help monitor for diabetic nephropathy, while urinalysis can detect glucose or ketones in urine indicating poor diabetes control.

Question 4

When should I get tested for diabetes?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience excessive thirst, frequent urination (especially at night), unexplained weight loss, constant fatigue, blurred vision, or wounds that heal slowly. Testing is also recommended if you have risk factors such as being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, being over age 45, having high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or if you were diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Annual screening is important for anyone with prediabetes or those at high risk to catch the progression to diabetes early when lifestyle changes can still make a significant difference.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes symptoms include excessive thirst and frequent urination as your kidneys work overtime to filter excess glucose from your blood. You might notice unexplained weight loss despite eating normally, constant hunger, extreme fatigue, blurred vision, and cuts or bruises that take weeks to heal. Some people experience tingling or numbness in their hands and feet, frequent infections (especially skin, gum, or urinary tract infections), and darkened skin patches in body creases. Type 1 diabetes symptoms often appear suddenly, while Type 2 diabetes symptoms develop gradually and can be so mild that people have the condition for years without realizing it.

Question 6

Who is at risk for diabetes?

Accepted Answer

You are at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes if you are overweight or obese, physically inactive, over age 45, or have a family history of diabetes in parents or siblings. Other risk factors include having high blood pressure (140/90 or higher), abnormal cholesterol levels (HDL under 35 or triglycerides over 250), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or a history of gestational diabetes or delivering a baby over 9 pounds. Certain ethnic groups including African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander populations have higher diabetes rates. Type 1 diabetes risk factors include family history, certain genetic markers, and geographic location, with higher rates in people of Northern European descent.

Question 7

What happens if diabetes is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated diabetes causes serious complications as chronically high blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves throughout your body. You can develop diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease) that progresses to kidney failure requiring dialysis, diabetic retinopathy that damages the retina and causes blindness, and peripheral neuropathy causing permanent nerve damage, pain, and numbness in your extremities. Cardiovascular complications include dramatically increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease that can lead to foot ulcers and amputations. Uncontrolled diabetes also increases your risk of infections, dental disease, hearing impairment, skin conditions, and cognitive decline including dementia.

Question 8

Can diabetes be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, diabetes is definitively diagnosed with blood tests that measure glucose levels and long-term glucose control. The Hemoglobin A1c test showing 6.5% or higher on two separate occasions confirms diabetes, while a fasting plasma glucose of 126 mg/dL or higher or a random glucose of 200 mg/dL or higher with symptoms also indicates diabetes. A glucose tolerance test measuring blood sugar two hours after drinking a glucose solution, with results of 200 mg/dL or higher, is another diagnostic method. Blood tests are the gold standard for diabetes diagnosis because they provide objective, quantifiable measurements of how your body processes glucose.

Question 9

How is diabetes treated?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes treatment focuses on keeping blood glucose levels within target ranges through a combination of lifestyle modifications and medications. Type 1 diabetes requires daily insulin injections or an insulin pump since the body produces no insulin, along with careful carbohydrate counting and blood sugar monitoring. Type 2 diabetes treatment often starts with lifestyle changes including weight loss, regular exercise, and a balanced diet limiting refined carbohydrates and sugars. Medications like metformin help improve insulin sensitivity, while other drugs stimulate insulin production, slow glucose absorption, or help kidneys remove excess sugar. Regular monitoring through A1c tests every 3-6 months, daily blood glucose checks, and screening for complications are essential components of effective diabetes management.

Question 10

How can I prevent diabetes?

Accepted Answer

You can significantly reduce your Type 2 diabetes risk by maintaining a healthy weight through regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly) and eating a balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks, and processed foods. Losing just 5-7% of your body weight if you are overweight can cut your diabetes risk by nearly 60%. Other prevention strategies include quitting smoking, managing stress, getting adequate sleep (7-9 hours nightly), and having regular checkups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels. If you have prediabetes, working closely with your healthcare provider on intensive lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the progression to full diabetes.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with diabetes management?

Accepted Answer

Natural approaches that support diabetes management include cinnamon, which may improve insulin sensitivity when added to foods or taken as a supplement (consult your doctor about dosing). Increasing dietary fiber through whole grains, legumes, and vegetables helps slow glucose absorption and improve blood sugar control. Regular consumption of foods rich in magnesium (leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains) and chromium (broccoli, barley, oats) supports glucose metabolism. Stress reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can lower cortisol levels that otherwise elevate blood sugar. However, these natural remedies should complement, not replace, prescribed medications and medical supervision, as diabetes requires consistent monitoring and professional management to prevent serious complications.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Diabetes Blood Test

What is Diabetes?

What causes diabetes?

What is the best test for diabetes?

When should I get tested for diabetes?

References

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