Community Answer

Answered by Dr. Emily Carter, MD

Diabetes is typically diagnosed through several blood tests that measure blood glucose levels. The most common tests include:

  • A1C Test: Measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. A result of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.
  • Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test: Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast. A result of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
  • Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar before and 2 hours after drinking a sugary drink. A result of 200 mg/dL or higher after 2 hours indicates diabetes.
  • Random Plasma Glucose Test: Measures blood sugar at any time, regardless of when you last ate. A result of 200 mg/dL or higher, along with symptoms of diabetes, indicates diabetes.

Your doctor may use one or more of these tests to confirm a diagnosis. If you have symptoms of diabetes, such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight loss, consult your healthcare provider for testing.

Last updated: 12/18/2024

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