what blood work shows diabetes

To diagnose diabetes, healthcare providers typically use 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: 100-125 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: 140-199 mg/dL
  • Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher

• Random Plasma Glucose 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 urination.

These tests help determine if you have diabetes or prediabetes. Your doctor may use one or more of these tests for an accurate diagnosis.