The fasting period required before a diabetes test depends on the type of test being performed:
Fasting Blood Glucose Test: You typically need to fast for 8-12 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 must 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.