Blood Tests for Endocrine Disorders

At The Center for Endocrinology at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, specialists provide expert diagnosis and treatment for endocrine conditions, such as diabetes and thyroid disorders. Blood tests can be used to help diagnose Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism.

How can Blood Tests be used for diagnosis?

Blood tests are used to diagnose various endocrinology disorders by determining hormone levels and glucose levels that may be causing problems with the body’s metabolism.

Types of Blood Tests

Diabetes - To diagnose Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, endocrinologists may perform the following blood tests:

Glycated hemoglobin (Ac1) test – this blood test measures the sugar level in the blood. A high blood glucose level after two tests indicts the presence of diabetes. This blood test cannot be performed during pregnancy.

Random blood sugar test – this blood test measures the sugar level in the blood. Fasting is not required to take this blood test. If other signs of diabetes are present, a high blood glucose level indicates diabetes.

Fasting blood sugar test – this blood test measures the sugar level in the blood after fasting. If other signs of diabetes are present and this blood tests results in high sugar on two separate tests, then diabetes is diagnosed.

Thyroid disorders - To diagnose thyroid disorders, blood samples are taken to measure the thyroid stimulating hormone levels in the blood. Too much hormone indicates hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, while not enough hormone indicates hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid.

How is a Blood Test performed?

Blood tests are performed by taking blood samples that are analyzed to measure hormone levels to diagnose thyroid disorders or measure sugar levels to diagnose diabetes.