Which of the following are diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus (type 2)?

Which of the following are diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus (type 2)?

• A. Random blood glucose >200 mg/dL with symptoms
• B. Fasting plasma glucose >126 mg/dL on two occasions
• C. HbA1c >6.5%
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Diabetes is diagnosed when hyperglycemia meets established thresholds on testing. A random plasma glucose of 200 mg/dL or higher in a patient with classic symptoms of hyperglycemia (such as increased thirst, urination, or unexplained weight loss) is diagnostic. A fasting plasma glucose of 126 mg/dL or higher, confirmed on a separate day, also meets the criteria for diabetes. An HbA1c of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes because it reflects chronic elevated glucose levels over the past 2–3 months. Each of these findings is a valid diagnostic criterion, so any one of them can establish the diagnosis. In practice, if there are classic symptoms with a random glucose ≥200 mg/dL, you can diagnose immediately; otherwise, repeat testing or use the other criteria to confirm. Therefore, all the listed criteria are diagnostic, making the combined option correct.

Diabetes is diagnosed when hyperglycemia meets established thresholds on testing. A random plasma glucose of 200 mg/dL or higher in a patient with classic symptoms of hyperglycemia (such as increased thirst, urination, or unexplained weight loss) is diagnostic. A fasting plasma glucose of 126 mg/dL or higher, confirmed on a separate day, also meets the criteria for diabetes. An HbA1c of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes because it reflects chronic elevated glucose levels over the past 2–3 months. Each of these findings is a valid diagnostic criterion, so any one of them can establish the diagnosis. In practice, if there are classic symptoms with a random glucose ≥200 mg/dL, you can diagnose immediately; otherwise, repeat testing or use the other criteria to confirm. Therefore, all the listed criteria are diagnostic, making the combined option correct.