what blood test to check for diabetes

To check for diabetes, healthcare providers typically use one or more of the following blood tests:

• 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.

  • 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 liquid.

  • 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.

  • Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher (with symptoms like increased thirst, urination, or fatigue)

Your doctor may recommend one or more of these tests based on your symptoms, risk factors, and medical history.