TH
MM
Diabetes screening using FBS is another method that helps detect the risk of diabetes that is commonly found. This test helps to know the blood sugar level. If detected early, it can be treated and reduce the risk of complications such as coronary artery disease, kidney failure or diabetic retinopathy.
What do you need to prepare before the FBS test? How much does a diabetes risk screening cost? You can read more in this article.
Interesting facts about diabetes screening
- Why is diabetes screening important?
- How do you know if you have diabetes?
- What are the methods of screening for diabetes?
- What is the normal blood sugar level?
- Who is FBS testing suitable for?
- How much does a diabetes screening cost?
- Preparing for diabetes screening
- How many times per year should you come for a diabetes screening?
Why is diabetes screening important?
Screening for diabetes risk is very important because diabetes is one of the chronic diseases that cannot be cured and is still prevalent in the Thai population. Early screening for diabetes has the following benefits:
- If found, it will help to receive treatment quickly because patients with diabetes in the early stages often do not show clear symptoms. If treatment is delayed, complications may occur.
- Prevent the risk of complications If the examinee is at risk and can control their blood sugar level well, it will help prevent or delay the occurrence of various complications that may arise from diabetes.
Check for diabetes risk symptoms
- Frequent urination
- Dry throat, frequent hunger
- It is easy to get infected but difficult to cure.
- Itchy skin, especially in the genital area.
- Neuropathy, numbness in hands and feet
- Eat a lot but lose weight
- Mothers who give birth to babies weighing more than 4 kilograms
- Feeling weak and lethargic
- No sexual desire
- Blurred vision, unclear vision
What are the methods of screening for diabetes?
Diabetes screening can be done in many ways. The doctor will ask questions to assess the risk from health history, family history, and physical examination. Then, additional tests may be considered by taking blood to measure blood sugar levels at the fingertip or taking blood sugar levels after fasting. There are 3 main additional diabetes screening methods as follows:
Fasting Blood Sugar
It is a quick and easy way to check your blood sugar levels.
The test will be performed after fasting for at least 8 hours without food or water.
Blood sugar levels can indicate the amount of glucose in your bloodstream at any given time.
HbA1C (HbA1C) test
It is a blood test to measure the average blood sugar level (HbA1C) over the past 2-3 months. This average sugar value will help doctors monitor diabetic patients to see how well their sugar levels are controlled.
Doctors will use it in conjunction with checking blood sugar levels after fasting for 6-8 hours. For diabetic patients, it is recommended to check the accumulated blood sugar levels at least 2-4 times per year.
Glucose Tolerance Test
The sugar tolerance test is used when a patient is suspected of having diabetes and pregnant women. Before the test, the patient must not eat for at least 8 hours.
On the day of the examination, the staff will draw blood from the patient to test their blood sugar level. Then, they will have them drink a glucose solution. After taking 75 grams of glucose solution, they will wait to check their blood sugar level again after 2 hours.
What is the normal blood sugar level?
- People with normal blood sugar levels will have blood sugar levels less than 100 mg/dL.
- People with prediabetes have blood sugar levels between 100 and 125 milligrams/deciliter.
- People with diabetes have blood sugar levels of more than or equal to 126 milligrams/deciliter.
Who is FBS testing suitable for?
FBS testing is suitable for people at risk of diabetes, including:
- Be a person aged 35 years and above.
- Obesity or potbelly (*Obesity is a condition in which the body has more body fat than normal, as measured by the body mass index)
- I have parents and siblings who suffer from diabetes.
- Mothers who had diabetes during pregnancy or who gave birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kilograms
- Have high blood pressure or are taking blood pressure medication.
- Have abnormal blood fat levels , including those with triglyceride levels ≥250 mg/dL or HDL cholesterol.< 35 mg/dL
- Have a history of cardiovascular disease such as heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and occlusive artery disease of the arms and legs.
- Have been diagnosed with Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) or have higher than normal blood sugar levels while fasting (Impaired Fasting Glucose: IFG)
- Women with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome
- People with disorders associated with insulin resistance , such as morbid obesity or Acanthosis Nigricans .
- People who are infected with HIV or AIDS
How much does a diabetes screening cost?
Price for diabetes screening using FBS blood sugar level test: 850 baht
- Physical Examination
- Blood sugar level measurement Glucose / FBS
The diabetes screening prices listed above include medical fees and clinical services.
Note: The price of diabetes screening may vary for each patient, depending on the doctor’s discretion.
Preparing for diabetes screening
- Get enough rest
- Do not eat or drink for 8-10 hours before the examination. You may drink water.
- Inform the doctor of your medical history in detail, such as medication use or other chronic diseases, history of parents/family members having diabetes, so that the doctor can use it to make a diagnosis.
| Trivia Diabetes screening Must abstain from food Overnight 8-12 hours, usually checked in the morning. Before the body eats food,fee Sugar should not exceed 110 mg/dL.  |
How many times a year should you be screened for diabetes?
You should come for a repeat diabetes screening at least once a year, especially for those aged 35 and over who are at risk of developing diabetes. And those who have been diagnosed with diabetes should not neglect to come for a repeat health check-up.
Hot Line 
Supitcha Buengjan ,M.D.
General Practitioner
Last updated: 23/11/2024
Images may be used without prior permission exclusively for educational or informational purposes, as long as proper credit is given to intouchmedicare.com
Auto translator