Ultrasound is a safe and painless diagnostic test. It sends and receives high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal organs or tissues. Sound waves pass through the tissues of the area being examined. These sound waves are recorded and displayed on a computer screen or television-type monitor.

Ultrasound creates images of soft–tissue organs, such as the pancreas, thyroid gland, heart and kidneys, and of babies in the womb. Ultrasound can also detect blockages in the blood vessels.

The image created by an ultrasound is considered to be less clear than those from CAT (computed axial tomography) scans  or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). However, it is often used for a wide array of procedures because it is fast, noninvasive and relatively inexpensive.

Ultrasound is a common test used for many chronic diseases, including diabetes and other endocrine disorders, because it can often help in detecting complications. In extensive studies, no risks associated with normal use of diagnostic ultrasound have been documented.