Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body cannot properly use glucose, allowing it to remain in the bloodstream. This elevated glucose, or blood sugar, is damaging to the organs of the body. When the cells of the body do not have a good source of energy, due to not being able to use available glucose, they become unhealthy. Close management of diabetes is imperative for good health. Often, this begins with an early diagnosis; physicians have several tests at their disposal for this.
Fasting Blood Glucose Test
A fasting blood glucose test is drawn after you haven't eaten for at least eight hours. It is usually done in the morning after you have avoided eating all night. In a healthy person, the result will be approximately 70 to 99 milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL. The Mayo Clinic states that a result of 126 mg/dL or more, obtained on two different days, indicates diabetes.
Random Blood Glucose Test
For this test, a sample of your blood is collected regardless of when you last ate. If your test result is 200 mg/dL or higher on two different tests on different days, you likely have diabetes.
Glucose Tolerance Test
The glucose tolerance test, sometimes called the oral glucose tolerance test, is another diagnostic test for diabetes. After fasting for at least eight hours, you will have a blood sample drawn. You will then be instructed to drink a very sweet drink. Two hours later, your blood will be drawn again. A normal result is below 140 mg/dL. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse states that a level of 200 mg/dL or more on two different days indicates diabetes.
HbA1c Test
The HbA1c test, also called the glycated hemoglobin test, actually tells the physician what your blood sugar levels have been like for the past two to three months. It can be drawn without regard to the timing of your last meal. A normal level is 6 percent or less. If your result is 6.5 percent or higher on two different days, you will likely be diagnosed with diabetes.
