To determine if you have type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, you must get your glucose levels or blood sugar checked. Results of testing are often readily accessible and straightforward.
Prediabetes, Type 1 Diabetes, and Type 2 Diabetes tests
To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor will have you undergo one or more of the blood tests listed below:
A1C Exam
The A1C test determines your average blood sugar level over the previous two to three months. An A1C of 5.7% or less is considered normal, 5.7% to 6.4% denotes prediabetes, and 6.5% or more denotes diabetes.
Blood Sugar Levels After Fasting
Your blood sugar is measured after going without food for the previous night. Fasting blood sugar levels of 99 mg/dL or less are considered normal, 100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL are prediabetic, and 126 mg/dL or above are considered diabetes levels.
Test for Glucose Tolerance
This checks your blood sugar levels before and after consuming a glucose-containing beverage. Before the test, you will fast (not eat) and have blood collected to check your fasting blood sugar level. After finishing the drink, your blood sugar level will be monitored for an hour, two hours, and perhaps three hours later. A blood sugar level of 140 mg/dL or less at two hours is average; 140 to 199 mg/dL denotes prediabetes, and 200 mg/dL or above indicates diabetes.
Unplanned blood sugar check
This gauges your blood sugar level at the moment of testing. You don’t have to fast (not eat) before taking this exam; you may take it whenever you like. If your blood sugar is 200 mg/dL or greater, you probably have diabetes.
- Result*A1C ExamBlood Sugar Levels After FastingTest for Glucose ToleranceUnplanned blood sugar check
- Diabetes 6.5% or higher or 126 mg/dL or higher or 200 mg/dL or higher
- Prediabetes: 5.7–6.4%100 to 125 mg/dL N/A 140 to 199 mg/dL
- Normal Less than 5.7% 99 mg/dL, less than 140 mg/dL, or less than N/A
*Gestational diabetes results might vary. If you are being tested for gestational diabetes, ask your doctor what the findings signify.
American Diabetes Association, cited
Your blood may also be testing for autoantibodies, which are often present in type 1 diabetes but not in type 2 diabetes and are signs that your body is fighting itself if your doctor suspects you have type 1 diabetes. Ketones, creating when your body consumes fat for energy and suggests type 1 diabetes rather than type 2, may be detect in your urine.
Gestational diabetes screening tests
Blood tests are using to determine gestational diabetes. You’ll likely undergo a pregnancy test between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Your doctor could test you early if you are at a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes as a result of having more risk factors. Early in your pregnancy, higher blood sugar levels than usual might be a sign of type 1 or type 2 diabetes rather than gestational diabetes.
Screening Test for Glucose
This gauges your blood sugar level at the moment of testing. Blood will be collect one hour after consuming a glucose-containing beverage to measure your blood sugar levels. The result should be 140 mg/dL or less. You must have a glucose tolerance test if your level is more than 140 mg/dL.
Test for Glucose Tolerance
This checks your blood sugar levels before and after consuming a glucose-containing beverage. Before the test, you will fast (not eat) and have blood collected to check your fasting blood sugar level. After finishing the beverage, your blood sugar level will be monitor for an hour, two hours, and perhaps three hours later. The amount of glucose drink you consume and how often you test your blood sugar affect the results. What do your test results mean? Ask your doctor.
Stop Type 2 Diabetes
Ask your doctor or nurse whether the lifestyle modification programme providing by the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Programme is offer in your area if your test results indicate you have prediabetes. Additionally, look for a local or online programme. Prediabetes increases your chance of becoming type 2 diabetes, but participating in the programme may cut that risk by up to 58% (71% if you’re over 60).
Plan for Treating Diabetes
Talk to your doctor or nurse about a thorough treatment plan, diabetes self-management education and support services, and specific actions to be as healthy as possible if your test results reveal you have type 1, 2, or gestational diabetes.