Community Answer

Answered by Dr. Emily Carter, MD

Diabetes is typically diagnosed through several types of blood tests:

  • A1C Test: Measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.
  • Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test: Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast. A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes.
  • Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar before and after drinking a sugary liquid. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher after 2 hours indicates diabetes.
  • Random Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar at any time, regardless of when you last ate. A level of 200 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes.

Your healthcare provider may use one or more of these tests to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes.

Last updated: 1/12/2025

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