Final answer:
Type 2 DM is diagnosed based on specific criteria including fasting plasma glucose level, random plasma glucose level with symptoms, 2-hour plasma glucose level during oral glucose tolerance test, and hemoglobin A1c level.
Step-by-step explanation:
Type 2 DM is diagnosed based on specific criteria. These criteria include:
- Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL: A fasting blood glucose level higher than or equal to 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) on two separate occasions indicates diabetes.
- Random plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL with symptoms of hyperglycemia: If a person has symptoms of hyperglycemia (such as increased thirst and frequent urination) and a random blood glucose level higher than or equal to 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L), it indicates diabetes.
- 2-hour plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance test: If the blood glucose level is higher than or equal to 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) 2 hours after consuming a glucose drink during an oral glucose tolerance test, it indicates diabetes.
- Hemoglobin A1c level ≥ 6.5%: An A1c level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes. A1c is a measure of average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months.