how do drs test for diabetes

Doctors use several tests to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes. The most common tests include:

• A1C Test: Measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Results are given as a percentage:

  • 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. Results are in mg/dL:

  • 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 2 hours after drinking a sugary drink. Results are in mg/dL:

  • 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, regardless of when you last ate. A result of 200 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes.

Your doctor may use one or more of these tests to confirm a diagnosis. If you have symptoms of diabetes, such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight loss, your doctor may recommend testing.