Diabetes Tests Test
Diabetes tests measure your blood glucose (sugar) levels to screen for, monitor, or diagnose diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes. They help determine if your body is making or using insulin properly.
What this test measures
Diabetes tests measure glucose levels in your blood to see how your body uses blood sugar. They can also include urine tests, but blood tests are more accurate for diagnosis.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
A high result may mean you have prediabetes, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or gestational diabetes, depending on the test and your situation.
Lower-than-normal results
A low result means your blood glucose dropped below healthy levels, which could cause symptoms like loss of consciousness or seizures if very low.
Frequently asked questions
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that affects how your body uses glucose (blood sugar). Your body either can't make insulin or can't use it well, causing too much glucose to stay in your blood.
What are the types of diabetes?
The main types are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes (during pregnancy), and prediabetes (higher than normal but not yet diabetes).
How are diabetes tests done?
Most diabetes tests measure glucose levels in your blood. Urine tests are also available but are not as accurate for diagnosis.
What does a prediabetes result mean?
Prediabetes means your blood glucose levels are higher than healthy but not high enough to be diabetes. It raises your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later.
Can diabetes be reversed?
Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes may be managed or even reversed with medicines and lifestyle changes like healthy eating, weight loss, and exercise. Type 1 diabetes has no cure but can be controlled with insulin.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Diabetes Tests — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.