Different Types of Blood Sugar Tests: Check the List

A new study estimates that 101 million people in India - 11.4% of the country's population - are living with diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the condition.

But did you know that nearly 50% of people are unaware of their diabetic condition, which can lead to severe complications if not detected and treated early? 

The prevalence of diabetes in India has risen due to urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary habits. According to the studies, India ranks second globally in the number of diabetes cases, with projections estimating over 134 million cases by 2045. 

Diabetes is a serious chronic condition that arises when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin or the body cannot effectively use the insulin it makes. Insulin plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels; managing glucose levels becomes extremely challenging without it. 

The condition is affecting the healthcare systems, as the cases of cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, and neuropathy are on the rise.

Is there any solution to control or manage diabetes?

Yes, early detection through diabetes testing can help control disease intervention and management.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the types of diabetes tests and how to prevent diabetes. 

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes affects the body's ability to process blood sugar. Glucose is the primary energy source of cells, but in diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it makes. This causes high blood sugar levels, which can cause serious health issues if not treated timely.

Diabetes and prediabetes do not show any visible symptoms in the initial stages; however, it becomes important to get screened regularly. Catching prediabetes can help people prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. 

Types of Diabetes

Prediabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks its insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It is often seen in children and young adults when they have diabetes symptoms, like feeling thirsty and having the urge to urinate more often. Type 1 diabetes can run in families.

Type 2 Diabetes

The most common cause of Type 2 diabetes is when the body becomes insulin resistant and does not produce enough insulin. This is often associated with obesity, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle. People who are at the age of 35 or older, overweight, and have gestational diabetes are at high risk of diabetes, and women who have gestational diabetes. 

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and usually resolves its own after childbirth. However, it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. The doctor recommends getting tested for gestational diabetes between 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. If you have gestational diabetes, then you should get tested after the baby's birth to see if you have type 2 diabetes. 

Types of Blood Glucose Tests

So, what are the tests for diabetes? The answer is multiple sugar tests that help detect diabetes. Let's explore these various types of diabetes tests in detail.

• Random Blood Glucose Test

In the RBS test, a blood sample is taken randomly—no matter when you ate last or what you ate. The normal range for random blood glucose tests is <140 mg/dL. Higher than 200mg/dL indicates diabetes.

• Fasting Blood Glucose Test

This FBS blood test measures blood sugar levels after an overnight fast (8-12 hours). A normal fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.

• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

This test evaluates how your body processes glucose. In this test, you will drink a glucose solution and measure your blood sugar levels before and after consuming the solution. It is commonly used to detect gestational diabetes. You have to fast overnight before the test and then give a sample to measure your fasting blood sugar level. Then, drink the liquid and provide the sample after 2 hours of your blood sugar level. 

Your doctor may also recommend the GCT test during pregnancy to diagnose the risk of gestational diabetes. 

• HbA1C Blood Test

The HbA1C test measures average blood sugar glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. It is useful for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, with a 6.5% or higher value indicating diabetes.

• Urine Glucose Fasting Test

The Urine Glucose fasting test measures the glucose in urine after fasting for at least 8-12 hours. It helps diagnose diabetes, kidney dysfunction, and other metabolic disorders.

The normal range of urine glucose tests is 0 - 0.8 mmol/L (0 - 15 mg/dL). A reading higher or lower than this range indicates a risk of diabetes.

• Home Blood Sugar Testing

People with diabetes can use home glucose meters or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to track daily blood sugar levels. This helps them make more informed dietary and medication decisions.

What Test Results Indicate Diabetes?

Here is the normal range of blood sugar tests-

Test Type	Normal Range	Pre-Diabetes	Diabetes
Fasting Blood Sugar	70-99 mg/dL	100-125 mg/dL	≥126 mg/dL
Random Blood Sugar	<140 mg/dL	140-199 mg/dL	≥200 mg/dL
HbA1c	<5.7%	5.7% - 6.4%	≥6.5%
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)	<140 mg/dL	140-199 mg/dL	≥200 mg/dL

Read also: Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart for Healthy Individuals and Those with Diabetes

Who Should Be Tested for Diabetes?

While anyone can take the blood glucose test for diabetes, here are some people who should regularly get their blood sugar levels checked-

• People with a family history of diabetes
• Overweight or obese individuals
• People aged 45 and older
• Those with high blood pressure or cholesterol
• Women with a history of gestational diabetes
• People with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• A body mass index of 30 or higher.
• A lack of physical activity.
• Diabetes is a blood relative.
• Being Black, Hispanic, American Indian, or Asian American.

Signs of Diabetes

In the initial stages, diabetes does not show any symptoms, but if the condition develops, it may show these common signs-

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds
• Increased hunger
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet

Lifestyle Recommendations to Manage Diabetes

Diabetes is a complex condition, but with effective management tips, you can prevent complications and improve your overall health. Here are some key lifestyle modifications you should follow to manage diabetes-

Follow a diabetic-friendly diet

Eat a nutritious diet to maintain your blood sugar levels. Consume high-fiber foods like whole grains, vegetables, and legumes, carbohydrates like quinoa and brown rice, and protein like chicken and legumes. Eat healthy fats like nuts, seeds, olive oil, and avocado, and exercise regularly.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight around the abdomen can contribute to insulin resistance. Try to lose 5-10% of your body weight to improve your blood sugar control.

Monitor Blood Sugar Levels

Keep track of your blood sugar levels to identify your blood sugar patterns so that you can make necessary adjustments. 

You can also use a glucose meter to track your blood sugar levels regularly and take an annual FBS test to monitor your diabetes status.

Manage Stress

Yes, Chronic stress can cause blood sugar fluctuations. Therefore, stress management techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness meditation should be practiced to manage stress. 

Get Quality Sleep

Stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Avoid caffeine and heavy meals before bedtime. Limit screen time at least an hour before sleep. 

Stay hydrated

Get properly hydrated. Hydration helps flush out excess glucose through urine. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.

Avoid Smoking & Limit Alcohol Consumption

Quit smoking as it is one of the major factors that increase the risks of heart disease and worsen diabetes complications.

Take Medications as Prescribed

Follow your doctor’s advice regarding diabetes medications or insulin. Do not skip doses and take medicines at the recommended times.

Also read: Fruits for Diabetes Patients in India: 10 best low sugar fruits

Final Thoughts

Now, you know what important blood tests to diagnose. Know your diabetes type and get tested regularly to manage and prevent complications. With regular screenings, a healthy lifestyle, and medical intervention, you can avoid complications and improve your quality of life. If you have high-risk factors or experience symptoms of diabetes, consult your doctor for appropriate testing and treatment. Early detection of diabetes can prevent health complications such as kidney disease, heart disease, nerve damage, and vision problems. 

FAQ

1. What Tests Are Used to Diagnose Diabetes?

The most commonly used tests include a fasting blood glucose test, an HbA1c Test, an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), and a Random Blood Glucose Test. 

2. What is an HbA1C blood test?

An HbA1c blood test measures the average blood sugar levels of the past 2-3 months and helps to diagnose and monitor diabetes. 

3. Which blood sugar test is best?

The HbA1c (A1C) test is one of the best blood sugar tests for diabetes management and diagnosis. It provides an average of blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. 

4. What is type 1 and type 2 blood sugar?

In type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the cells that produce insulin, leading to little or no insulin production. In type 2 diabetes, the body isn't able to produce enough insulin, or its cells become resistant to insulin's effects, causing high blood sugar levels.