Community Answer

Answered by Dr. Emily Carter, MD

Yes, diabetes can be detected through blood tests. The most common blood tests used to diagnose diabetes include:

  • 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 higher

  • 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 glucose-rich drink.

    • Normal: Less than 140 mg/dL
    • Prediabetes: 140-199 mg/dL
    • Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher

These tests help healthcare providers diagnose diabetes or prediabetes and monitor blood sugar control over time.

Last updated: 1/12/2025