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hours after the beginning of a meal, 100–125 mg after an overnight fast). Their elevated glucose levels indicate some insulin resistance, but these peo- ple may not exhibit any additional symptoms. Obviously pre-diabetics have a much greater risk of developing type 2 dia- betes than those with normal blood-sugar levels. Thirty-five percent of U.S. adults are pre-diabetic, and many will go on to develop type 2 diabetes within ten years. If a person suspects she has type 2 diabetes, she should see her doctor right away. The recommended screening test for this condition is an A1C test that shows the average of a person's blood sugar level over the last three months. If this is inconclusive, the next step is to do a blood test called the fasting blood glucose (FBG) or the fasting blood sugar (FBS) test. For this test, the patient must not eat or drink anything (except water) for six hours. Blood is then drawn and the amount of sugar in the blood measured. If the results of your test are equal to or greater than 126 milligrams per deciliter, your physician will likely order a repeat test for a different day. If that test also comes out greater than 126, then you most likely have type 2 diabetes.

Not So Sweet: Diabetes / 39