what blood test checks for diabetes

Several blood tests are commonly used to check for diabetes or prediabetes:

• A1C Test: Measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It is used to diagnose both prediabetes and 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: 100-125 mg/dL
  • Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher

• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar before and after drinking a glucose-rich drink.

  • Normal: Less than 140 mg/dL after 2 hours
  • Prediabetes: 140-199 mg/dL after 2 hours
  • Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher after 2 hours

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

  • Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher with symptoms like increased thirst or frequent urination.

These tests help diagnose diabetes and monitor blood sugar control. Consult your healthcare provider to determine which test is right for you.