Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Medical Advisory Board
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where the body does not use insulin properly, or does not produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body effectively use glucose (sugar) from food we eat, making it possible to enter cells for energy. When insulin is not used effectively, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels. This can damage organs over time, and lead to serious health complications. What follows are common-must know-glucose lab tests.
Glucose Lab Tests
Common glucose lab tests include the A1C test, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test, random plasma glucose test, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
A1C Test:
This test — also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test— measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. It’s a way to monitor your long-term blood sugar control.
Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test:
The fasting test measures your blood sugar level after you’ve fasted (not eaten or drank anything but water) for at least 8 hours.
Random Plasma Glucose Test:
This test measures your blood sugar level at any time of day, regardless of when you last ate. It’s often used to screen for or diagnose diabetes and prediabetes, or to monitor individuals already diagnosed with these conditions.
This test measures your blood sugar levels before and after you drink a sugary drink. It helps assess how well your body processes sugar. It’s used to diagnose diabetes and gestational diabetes. You drink a special sweet drink, and then your blood sugar is checked at intervals to see how your body handles the glucose.
The above glucose tests are used to screen for this condition, help diagnose diabetes, and prediabetes as well as monitor blood sugar levels. Other tests are used to assist in the management of diabetes patients.
References
- Diabetes Tests and Diagnosis; NIDDK National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney diseases
- Testing for Diabetes and Prediabetes; CDC, May 15 20
- Diabetes Diagnosis and Tests; American Diabetes Association
This article is intended solely as a learning experience. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options.