Blood Sugar & Diabetes: Complete Lab Guide

Fasting glucose, HbA1c, glucose tolerance test: decode your diabetes screening labs. Practical guide for blood sugar management.

Blood Sugar & Diabetes: Complete Lab Guide

6 min - BioSense Team - 2025-07-22

  • diabetes
  • glucose
  • HbA1c
  • prevention

Blood Sugar and Diabetes: Understanding Your Tests

Fasting Glucose: Starting Line

Note: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.

Diabetes screening and monitoring rely on several essential blood markers.

Key Markers

### Fasting Glucose - Normal: 70-99 mg/dL (3.9-5.5 mmol/L) - Pre-diabetes: 100-125 mg/dL (5.6-6.9 mmol/L) - Diabetes: ≥ 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) (2 measurements)

### HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) - Normal: < 5.7% - Pre-diabetes: 5.7-6.4% - Diabetes: ≥ 6.5% - Therapeutic target: < 7% (generally)

### Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) Reference test with glucose load - 2h post-load normal: < 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) - Diabetes: ≥ 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L)

Risk Factors

  1. Overweight/obesity (BMI > 25)
  2. Family history
  3. Sedentary lifestyle
  4. Age (> 45 years)
  5. High blood pressure

Prevention and Advice

  • Balanced diet: Low glycemic index
  • Regular physical activity
  • Weight control
  • Regular screening after age 45

Related Articles

See also: HbA1c, Fasting Glucose, Physical Activity.

*Information based on general public health recommendations*