Tests & Treatments for Diabetes at University of Colorado Hospital

Common Tests for Diabetes

Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG)

A blood test that determines if you have diabetes.

Blood Glucose Testing

A test you will perform on your own with a device that uses a small finger prick to check your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. You and your diabetes management team will use these levels to adjust your insulin medication, diet and exercise.

Hemoglobin A1C

A test that measures your blood glucose levels over a two to three month period. This helps your diabetes team determine how close to normal your blood glucose is over a period of time and helps reduce risks of complications.

Common Treatments for Diabetes

Insulin Injections

Controls your blood glucose levels on a daily basis with insulin injected beneath the skin. Your doctor will determine what type, how often and at what time of day you will inject your insulin. Insulin must be injected as it will be destroyed by stomach acid if taken orally. You will learn how to prepare and inject your insulin.

Diet

In order to control diabetes you must follow a dietary plan in addition to taking your insulin. Your dietary plan will include healthy food choices that use less added fat, sugar and salt as well as eating at regular times every day.

Exercise

A regular exercise program is a crucial part of your diabetes management and greatly increases your success and quality of life with diabetes.