glucose test and other questions

[tom001]

Hi,
How does the fasting glucose test work?  What will my doctor do?  How long does it take to get results/readings on glucose levels after my blood is taken?

How much would a visit to a doctor to have such a test done cost?

What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes?  I am 18, male, in pretty good shape (I am 6' 2", 175 lbs), but I am a bit worried about the possibility of me having diabetes because I think I urinate too much/often.
How many times should a person of my age urinate per day?

[JDRF Volunteer RL]

Hi, I'm not a medical professional, just the parent of a kid with diabetes.  Here is some good information on the fasting glucose test:

http://www.****.nih.gov/I really don't know how much the test costs, and the actual procedure at the doctor's office doesn't take long at all.  The biggest thing is that you cannot eat for 8 hours prior.  

The frequency of urination depends on many things, including how much you drink.  If you drink a lot of water, you'll urinate more.  If you drink a diuretic, that will cause you to urinate more.  Symptoms of diabetes are listed here:

http://www.****.org/
Most common symptoms are frequent urination, extreme and constant thirst, unexplained weight loss, increased appetite, and being very tired.  

You can do a simple blood sugar test on your own, but you'd have to purchase the meter yourself, so you're likely better off just to go to your doctor.  Good luck.

[tom001]

Also, is there any way I can test myself without seeing a doctor that might show whether or not I have diabetes?