The onset of symptoms of type 1 diabetes is often sudden and profound, prompting physicians to check blood sugar levels. This is not the case with type 2 diabetes. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes are often gradual or not at all apparent for some time.

There are various markers that identify a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes. These markers indicate that you might want to begin testing your blood sugar levels.

Age

Anyone over the age of 45 should consider an initial blood sugar screening.

BMI

People who have a BMI greater than 25, or 23 if you are Asian American, should have a blood sugar test.

People with a higher BMI, along with high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol readings, PCOS, heart disease, a sedentary lifestyle, or a close relative with type 2 diabetes, should also have an initial blood sugar screening.

Gestational diabetes history

Women who have had gestational diabetes in the past should be screened for diabetes at least once every three years.

Prediabetes

Do you have prediabetes? If you had a blood sugar screening and you were diagnosed with prediabetes, you should be tested annually to monitor your blood sugar.

Another test to indicate prediabetes, type 1, or type 2 diabetes is the glycated hemoglobin test, which is known as the A1C test. This is the tattle tale test that indicates your average blood sugar levels over the previous three months. It is one of the best indicators of diabetes available today.