Community Answer

Answered by Dr. Emily Carter, MD

The fasting period before a diabetes test depends on the type of test being performed:

  • Fasting Blood Glucose Test: You should fast for 8 to 12 hours before this test. Only water is allowed during the fasting period.
  • A1C Test: No fasting is required for the A1C test, as it measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.
  • Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): You need to fast for 8 hours before the test, and then your blood sugar is tested again 2 hours after drinking a glucose solution.

Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions for accurate results.

Last updated: 1/12/2025

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