Diabetes

People with diabetes can maintain normal activities when blood glucose levels are properly controlled. Maintaining healthy blood glucose levels is therefore essential for the wellbeing of diabetes patients. Monitoring devices play a crucial role in measuring and regulating glucose levels.

In vitro diagnostics

Examples illustrate the added value of laboratory tests in detecting, diagnosing, monitoring, and treating diabetes.

In vitro diagnostics

• Diabetes

  Diabetes is a condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. This occurs either because the body produces insufficient insulin (type 1 diabetes) or has developed resistance to insulin (type 2 diabetes). The major long-term complications of diabetes affect both large blood vessels (in the heart, brain, and legs) and small blood vessels (in the eyes, kidneys, and nerves). Glucose testing and glycated hemoglobin testing are essential tools for managing the disease and preventing complications.

  Glucose testing

  Diabetes diagnosis is based on persistently elevated blood glucose levels. Treatment depends on severity and may include diet modification, oral medications, and/or insulin injections. Effective treatment requires crucial glucose monitoring. The acceptable range for variation is narrow, necessitating continuous (round-the-clock) monitoring. Patients can self-monitor using finger-prick glucose tests or continuous glucose monitoring sensors. Regular glucose measurements combined with appropriate interventions help maintain balanced glucose levels.

  Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)

  Blood glucose readily binds to hemoglobin (Hb), forming glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). The HbA1c blood value indicates average blood glucose levels over several months. HbA1c levels are typically measured during routine diabetes check-ups. This test provides valuable complementary information to daily glucose self-monitoring for diabetes management.

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