What should we measure in the diabetic patient and how does this respond to therapy?

Abstract

Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycaemia and by the development of complications. The criteria for diagnosis have been revised and published by the World Health Organization (WHO). In a symptomatic patient, a random plasma glucose concentration of ≥11.1 mmol l−1 is diagnostic. For asymptomatic patients, two diagnostic tests are required. A fasting glucose level ≥7 mmol l−1 confirms the diagnosis (providing this is supported by a second diagnostic test). The 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, as recommended by the WHO, is used for diagnosis in borderline cases or for academic studies. A plasma glucose concentration ≥11.1 mmol l−1 at 2 h following oral glucose confirms the diagnosis (Table 1). Table 1 Values for diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and other categories of hyperglycaemia.