can diabetes be detected in a routine blood test
Asked by: HealthCurious
Community Answer
Answered by Dr. Emily Carter, MD
Yes, diabetes can often be detected through routine blood tests. The most common tests include:
- Fasting Blood Glucose Test: Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.
- A1C Test: Provides an average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher suggests diabetes.
- Random Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar at any time, regardless of when you last ate. A level of 200 mg/dL or higher may indicate diabetes.
These tests are often included in routine health check-ups, especially for individuals with risk factors such as obesity, family history, or high blood pressure.