Testing & Diagnosis

Count on University Health’s Texas Diabetes Institute for accurate testing and diagnosis for diabetes or another hormone-related condition.

When your primary care providers refer you to us, you’ll have access to the services you need at one convenient location. Expect our professional, trained staff to make you as comfortable as possible while performing lab and imaging tests.

Advanced Tests for Your Endocrine System

Find a wide range of tests and advanced technology at University Health to help your doctor determine if you have an endocrine system condition.

Blood and Urine Tests

Your doctor may start your testing and diagnostic care with:

• Complete blood count (CBC) – Looks for health conditions and shows your overall health
• Metabolic blood test – Measures how well your liver and kidneys are working
• Urine test – Detects specific hormone amounts within the body

Gland, Hormone and Metabolic Tests

Common hormone, metabolic and gland tests and diagnostics include:

• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) blood test
• ACTH stimulation test – Compares blood levels of hormones before and after synthetic ACTH injection
• CT scan – Uses X-rays to take detailed 3D images
• Bone density test (DEXA scan) – Measures bone mineral density to diagnose osteoporosis
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – Uses large magnets and radio waves to make an image of organs and structures within your body to detect adrenal and pituitary tumors
• Thyroid function tests
  • Free T4 – Measures the level of free thyroxine (T4) in your blood to find out how well your thyroid gland is working
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test – Measures TSH in the blood to find out how well your thyroid is working
  • Thyroid nodule ultrasound – Uses gentle sound waves to create images of your thyroid to find signs of enlargement or nodules (lumps)

Tests to Diagnose Prediabetes and Diabetes

Your doctor may select one or more of the following tests to determine if you have diabetes or look for diabetes-related conditions:

• Two-hour glucose tolerance test – Measures your body's ability to use sugar two hours after consuming a sugary drink
• Fasting blood sugar test – Measures the amount of sugar in your blood
• Fasting lipid panel – Tests the amount of cholesterol, triglycerides, and other fats in your blood
• Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) – Checks how well your kidneys are filtering your blood
• A1C (glycosylated hemoglobin) test – Assesses your average blood sugar level over the last two or three months
• Oral glucose challenge test – Evaluates your body's ability to use sugar after drinking a sugary drink
• Urine microalbumin – Checks for small amounts of albumin (protein) in your urine to tell if you have signs of kidney damage from diabetes

What Is Your A1C?

Rely on us to perform your A1C blood test (hemoglobin A1C) when you come for an appointment with your specialist at any University Health location. This test shows how well your diabetes treatment is working to lower your blood sugar over time.

What Does Your A1C Number Mean?

You’ll get your A1C results as a percentage. The higher your A1C level, the higher your risk for long-term diabetes complications such as:

• Heart disease
• Vision loss
• Kidney disease
• Nerve damage

Reduce your risk of long-term diabetes complications by aiming for an A1C level of less than 7%. Normal A1C is between 4% and 6%. Age and other medical conditions can affect your goal A1C.

Talk to your doctor about what your A1C level should be and how to achieve it. Your doctor’s may recommendations you meet your A1C goal by:

• Eating healthy foods
• Exercising regularly
• Following your treatment plan
• Testing your blood sugar
• Taking diabetes medications as needed

Get Regular A1C Testing

Follow the American Diabetes Association recommendation for an A1C blood test every six months if your blood sugar level is under control. You should have a test every three months if your blood sugar level is above your goal.