Diabetes is one of the most common chronic health conditions in the world—and also one of the most silent. In the early stages, many people have no idea they’re developing a serious condition that could lead to heart disease, kidney failure, vision loss, or even amputations.
But here’s the good news: early detection saves lives.
At eNational Testing, we believe prevention starts with awareness and access. With convenient, reliable testing options like our Hemoglobin A1c Diabetes Panel and Diabetes Risk Profile, you can identify early warning signs and take control of your health—before diabetes takes control of you.
The Diabetes Epidemic: A Silent Threat
Diabetes isn’t just common—it’s rising at an alarming rate. According to the CDC:
- Over 38 million Americans have diabetes
- 1 in 5 don’t even know they have it
- An estimated 96 million adults have prediabetes
- Without intervention, up to 70% of people with prediabetes will go on to develop full-blown diabetes
And yet, many people still go untested until symptoms are severe or complications arise.
Types of Diabetes: What You Need to Know
Type 1 Diabetes
- Usually diagnosed in children and young adults
- Autoimmune condition: the body attacks insulin-producing cells
- Requires lifelong insulin therapy
- Less common, but still serious
Type 2 Diabetes
- Most common type
- Develops gradually due to insulin resistance
- Strongly influenced by lifestyle factors (diet, activity, weight)
- Often preventable and reversible in early stages
Prediabetes
- A warning sign that blood sugar is elevated, but not yet diabetic
- Often reversible with diet, exercise, and weight loss
- No obvious symptoms, making testing critical
The Danger of Undiagnosed Diabetes
Diabetes doesn't develop overnight—but its complications can appear quickly once it's advanced. If left untreated, high blood sugar levels can damage virtually every part of the body, leading to:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Kidney damage and dialysis
- Vision loss and blindness
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Slow healing wounds and infections
- Amputation
- Increased risk of Alzheimer’s and depression
The earlier it’s caught, the better the chances of reversing or managing it effectively.
Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes
Many people with early-stage diabetes or prediabetes don’t experience symptoms at all. But as blood sugar levels rise, the following signs may appear:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Excessive thirst or hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or irritability
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing cuts or infections
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
- Dark patches of skin (often around the neck or armpits)
- Recurrent yeast infections
Even one or two of these symptoms could indicate high blood sugar—and warrant immediate testing.
Who Should Get Tested for Diabetes?
The CDC and American Diabetes Association recommend testing for:
- All adults over age 35 (every 3 years)
- Anyone with a BMI ≥25 (or ≥23 if Asian American) plus one or more risk factors:
- Family history of diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- History of gestational diabetes
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- History of heart disease
- All pregnant women (during weeks 24–28)
- Anyone with signs or symptoms of high blood sugar
With eNational Testing, you can skip the doctor’s office and go straight to the lab with easy-to-order, reliable screening options.
Essential Diabetes Tests at eNational Testing
Hemoglobin A1c – Diabetes Identification & Management
The Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test is the gold standard for long-term blood sugar control.
What it measures:
Your average blood glucose level over the past 2–3 months
Why it matters:
Unlike a one-time glucose reading, A1c reveals your overall blood sugar trend. It’s used to diagnose diabetes, assess risk, and monitor treatment progress.
A1c Results Guide:
- Below 5.7% = Normal
- 5.7% to 6.4% = Prediabetes
- 6.5% or higher = Diabetes
If your A1c is even slightly elevated, early lifestyle changes can help reverse the trend.
Diabetes Risk Profile
A more comprehensive panel that includes:
- Hemoglobin A1c
- Glucose (fasting)
Why it matters:
This panel gives a deeper view of your blood sugar regulation, insulin production, and how well your kidneys are functioning—crucial for understanding your total metabolic health.
It’s perfect for individuals with a family history of diabetes, signs of metabolic syndrome, or those actively monitoring their progress.
Benefits of Early Testing
- Reversible in Early Stages: With proper diet, exercise, and sometimes medication, prediabetes and early Type 2 diabetes can often be reversed.
- Prevents Complications: Routine monitoring prevents life-altering outcomes like kidney failure, amputations, and blindness.
- Improves Quality of Life: Managing blood sugar keeps your energy, focus, and mood balanced throughout the day.
- Enables Personalized Treatment: Doctors can tailor medications and lifestyle recommendations when they have access to reliable lab data.
Why Choose eNational Testing?
- No doctor’s appointment needed
- Order online anytime
- Visit any of 2,000+ partner labs across the U.S.
- Fast results in 1–3 business days
- Confidential and secure
- Affordable without insurance
- No surprise fees or hidden costs
Whether you're looking to monitor your blood sugar or get a full diabetes risk profile, our services empower you with real, actionable data.
What If You Test Positive?
If your test shows elevated glucose or A1c levels, don’t panic—knowledge is power. Here’s what to do next:
- Consult your healthcare provider: Share your test results and discuss your risk level, next steps, and possible medications.
- Make lifestyle changes immediately: Focus on a low-glycemic diet, daily physical activity, better sleep, and stress reduction.
- Follow up with regular testing: Track your A1c or glucose every 3–6 months to measure improvement.
- Get support: Join diabetes prevention programs, connect with a nutritionist, or work with a health coach.
Catching diabetes early is not a sentence—it’s a second chance.
Tips to Prevent or Delay Diabetes
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber, whole grains, and lean protein
- Cut back on added sugars and processed foods
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol
- Manage stress through meditation or breathing exercises
- Get regular checkups and lab work
Small daily decisions make a big long-term difference.
Diabetes doesn’t have to sneak up on you. With routine testing, informed decisions, and proactive care, you can catch the condition early—before it causes lasting damage.
At eNational Testing, we make it easy to stay ahead of diabetes with simple, accurate, and affordable lab tests you can trust. Whether you're checking your A1c, monitoring your risk, or looking for peace of mind, we’re here to support your journey toward better health.
Ready to Take Control?
Order your test online today and visit a lab near you:
- Hemoglobin A1c Test
- Complete Diabetes Risk Profile
Because the best time to catch diabetes… is before it starts.