what blood test tests for diabetes

Several blood tests are used to diagnose diabetes and monitor blood sugar levels. The most common tests include:

• A1C Test: Measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It is used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, and to monitor how well you are managing your diabetes.

  • Normal: Below 5.7%
  • Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
  • Diabetes: 6.5% or above

• Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test: Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast.

  • Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL
  • Prediabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dL
  • Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher

• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar before and after drinking a sugary drink. It is often used to diagnose gestational diabetes.

  • Normal: Less than 140 mg/dL
  • Prediabetes: 140 to 199 mg/dL
  • Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher

• Random Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar at any time of the day, regardless of when you last ate.

  • Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher (with symptoms of diabetes)

These tests help healthcare providers diagnose diabetes and prediabetes and monitor the effectiveness of diabetes management plans.