Diabetes is a health condition that disturbs your body’s ability to either produce or utilize insulin. Diabetes results in higher blood sugar levels (glucose levels) than normal. If glucose level goes too high, then you may suffer from various diseases, including heart disease, nerve damage, kidney disease, and eye problems. A diabetes test will help you in the early detection of diabetes so that you can take the proper line of treatment. This test is also known as the glucose tolerance test or HbA1c blood test or glucose screening test.
The cost of the diabetes test is Rs. 300-Rs.1000. The price may vary depending on your location.
Test Summary
| Also known as | Glucose tolerance test, random sugar test, glucose screening test, oral glucose tolerance test |
| Test Type | Blood |
| Diabetes test includes | To check the sugar levels in your blood |
| Preparation | Fasting of 10-12 hrs. may require |
| Reporting | Within 24 hrs |
| Test price | The cost of diabetes test is between Rs. 300 to Rs. 1000 but it may vary state to state and lab to lab |
| Also included in | Health Insurance Plans |
| Related tests | Complete blood count, kidney function test |
Who Should Go for this Test?
In the earlier stage, you may not experience any symptoms of diabetes. You can go for this test if you experience the below-mentioned symptoms.
- Feeling thirsty or extremely fatigued
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Sores or cuts that take a longer time to heal
- If you have hypertension, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, or heart disease
- You have a family history of diabetes
- You have a personal history of abnormal blood sugar levels
- You lead a sedentary lifestyle
- If you are a woman with a history of the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or gestational diabetes
Read More: Exercise For Diabetes – The Ultimate Guide To Reducing Blood Sugar Levels
Blood Tests for Diabetes
1. A1C Test
This blood test checks the levels of blood sugar in your body. This test is also known as the glycated hemoglobin test and it estimates blood sugar levels for 90 days. For this test, you don’t need to fast.
Results
- Less than 5.7 percent are normal
- Between 5.7 and 6.4 percent indicate prediabetes
- Equal to or greater than 6.5 percent indicate diabetes
2. Random blood sugar test
This test can be done at any given time, irrespective of when you ate last. Results equal to or greater than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) indicate diabetes.
3. Fasting blood sugar test
To conduct this test, you need to have fasted overnight. This means you can’t eat anything for at least 8 to 12 hours:
Results
- Less than 100 mg/dL is normal.
- Between 100 and 125 mg/dL indicate prediabetes
- Equal to or greater than 126 mg/dL after two tests indicate diabetes
4. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
This test is generally performed for two hours. The technician will collect your blood initially, and then you need to drink a sugary beverage. After two hours, your blood sugar levels are tested again:
Results
- Less than 140 mg/dL are normal
- Between 140 and 199 mg/dL indicate prediabetes
- Equal to or greater than 200 mg/dL indicate diabetes
5. Urine Testing for Diabetes
Though this test is not used to diagnose diabetes still, your doctors may recommend this if you have type 1 diabetes. The body produces ketone bodies instead of blood sugar when fat tissue is utilized for energy. This test is performed to identify these ketone bodies.
If ketone bodies are present in moderate to large amounts in the urine, then your body can’t produce adequate insulin.
6. Gestational Diabetes Tests
Gestational diabetes is common in women in their pregnancy (second and third trimester). Two types of tests are used to diagnose gestational diabetes.
7. Initial Glucose Challenge Test
For this test, you need to drink a glucose syrup solution. Then, your blood sample will be collected after an hour to measure blood sugar levels. The normal value is 130 to 140 mg/dL or less. A higher value than this normal range indicates the need for further testing.
8. The Follow-Up Glucose Tolerance Testing
For this test, you need to fast overnight. An initial blood sugar level is measured and then you need to drink a high-sugar solution. The blood sugar is then measured hourly for three hours. If a woman has two or more higher-than-normal readings, this indicates she is having gestational diabetes.
FAQs
Are there any risks to this test?
The risks are minimal for blood tests. You may feel slight pain or bruise at the puncture site, but this will dissolve within 2-3 days automatically. There is no risk to having a urine test.
Does drinking water affect blood sugar tests?
You can drink water while going for a fasting blood sugar test. Drinking adequate water will ensure that you receive accurate test results.
What should you not do before a blood sugar test?
You should stay away from certain activities before going for a blood sugar test. These activities could be
1. Strenuous exercise
2. Sexual activities
3. Smoking
4. Drinking alcohol
How can I lower my blood sugar before a test?
There are certain ways by which you can lessen your blood sugar level.
1. Exercise regularly
2. Manage your carb intake
3. Eat more fiber
4. Drink adequate water and stay hydrated
5. Eat food items that have a lower glycemic index
6. Try to manage your stress and anxiety levels
How do I pass the OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test)?
Don’t consume anything for 8 to 12 hrs before the test. You need to drink a sugary liquid that contains 100grams of glucose. Your blood sample will be collected before you drink the liquid. And, then it will be collected 3 times every 60 minutes after you drink.
