Which Blood Sugar Tests Reveal Your Risk for Diabetes?

Diabetes is a growing health concern worldwide. Hence, it is important to know your risk of developing the condition to ensure early intervention and management. Blood sugar tests are important in identifying this risk and providing you with information about your current metabolic health. Tests like the HbA1c test are used to help healthcare providers determine how well your body handles glucose, which is essential to diagnosing and monitoring diabetes.

In this blog, we will describe the different types of blood sugar tests, their importance, and how they can help you know whether you are at risk of getting diabetes.

1. Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) Test

The HbA1c test, also called the glycated haemoglobin test, measures the percentage of haemoglobin in your blood that is coated with sugar. It gives you an average of your blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months, so you get a long-term view of your blood glucose control. Also, note that the HbA1c test price at Apollo 24|7 is quite affordable.

What does it reveal?

• Normal HbA1c level is less than 5.7%.

• An HbA1c level between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes.

• An HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.

2. Fasting Blood Sugar Test (FBS)

One of the most common and widely used tests to measure blood glucose levels is the fasting blood sugar test. As the name suggests, you have to fast for at least 8 to 12 hours before a blood sample is drawn. It measures your blood glucose level after this fasting period.

A higher-than-normal fasting blood sugar level can mean that you are at an increased risk of diabetes, indicating that your body isn't processing glucose the way it should. This test can help you manage or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes if it is detected early.

What does it reveal?

• Normal fasting blood sugar level is less than 100 mg/dL.

• A fasting blood sugar level between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes.

• Normally, a fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests means you have diabetes.

3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

Another diagnostic tool used to check how your body handles glucose is the oral glucose tolerance test. This test involves drinking a sugary solution and having your blood sugar levels measured at intervals, usually between one and two hours. This is a particularly useful test for diagnosing gestational diabetes during pregnancy and for detecting those who may have impaired glucose tolerance that can progress to diabetes if not treated.

What does it reveal?

• A normal blood sugar level after two hours is less than 140 mg/dL.

• If your blood sugar levels are between 140 mg/dL and 199 mg/dL, then you have prediabetes.

• If two hours after the test, your blood sugar level is 200 mg/dL or higher, then you have diabetes.

4. Random Blood Sugar Test

This test measures your blood glucose levels at any time of the day, regardless of when you last ate. This test can be done at any point and is used for a quick assessment of your glucose levels.

While the random blood sugar test is quick and convenient, it is not as reliable for diagnosing diabetes as the fasting or OGTT test. However, if the test result is high, it could signal the need for further investigation and other confirmatory tests to rule out diabetes.

What does it reveal?

• A random blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher, accompanied by symptoms such as frequent urination and increased thirst, suggests diabetes.

• Levels less than 200 mg/dL are typically considered normal, but they should be interpreted in the context of your overall health.

5. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

It involves wearing a small sensor under your skin, typically on your abdomen or arm, to measure glucose levels throughout the day. This method allows for real-time tracking of blood glucose levels, which can be especially useful for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing it. CGM also enables healthcare providers to tailor treatment plans more effectively, making it a powerful tool for managing diabetes risk.

What does it reveal?

• CGM provides a detailed picture of how your glucose levels fluctuate throughout the day and night, including after meals or during physical activity.

• It can help detect extreme fluctuations in blood sugar that are not captured in standard tests, highlighting issues such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

Conclusion

Blood sugar tests are invaluable tools in assessing your risk for diabetes, providing insights into how well your body processes glucose and whether you’re at risk of developing this chronic condition. Regular testing, especially for those with risk factors, can help identify prediabetes or diabetes early, allowing for timely intervention and management.

The HbA1c test at Apollo 24|7 is one of the most significant tests in diagnosing and managing diabetes. It gives a comprehensive picture of your blood sugar control over time, and its simplicity makes it accessible for both diagnosis and routine monitoring.

(No Hans India Journalist was involved in creation of this content)