Symptoms:

Possible symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Absence of menstruation
• Fatigue
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss despite increased appetite

Signs and tests:

Diabetes is diagnosed with the following blood tests:

• Fasting blood glucose level -- diabetes is diagnosed if it is higher than 126 mg/dL on two occasions
• Random (nonfasting) blood glucose level -- diabetes is suspected if it is higher than 200 mg/dL, and the patient has symptoms such as increased thirst, urination, and fatigue (this must be confirmed with a fasting test)
• Oral glucose tolerance test -- diabetes is diagnosed if the glucose level is higher than 200 mg/dL after 2 hours.

Ketone testing is also used in type 1 diabetes. Ketones are produced by the breakdown of fat and muscle. They are harmful at high levels. The ketone test is done using a urine sample. Ketone testing is usually done at the following times:

• When the blood sugar is higher than 240 mg/dL
• During an illness such as pneumonia, heart attack, or stroke
• When nausea or vomiting occur
• During pregnancy

People with diabetes should have their A1c (HbA1c) levels checked every 3 - 6 months. The HbA1c is a measure of average blood glucose during the past 2 - 3 months. It can help determine how well treatment is working.