Diabetes is usually diagnosed through a range of blood tests. The tests for Type 1, Type 2 and Pre-diabetes are the same. These simple tests can be taken at any standalone lab or hospital. Blood samples will be obtained through a venipuncture at the crook of your elbow. Around 8-10 Ml blood will be drawn for testing each time whether for random blood glucose, fasting blood glucose or post-prandial (post-meal) blood glucose.

1. Random blood glucose – in this test, blood will be drawn at any random time. A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates a diagnosis of diabetes.


2. Fasting blood glucose – in this test, you will have to fast overnight (around 8-10 hours) and then give your blood sample in the morning. You can drink plenty of water but must stay away from eating anything. A blood glucose level of 100-125 mg/dL is considered the pre-diabetic phase and a number above 125 mg/dL indicates a diagnosis of diabetes.


3. Post-prandial blood glucose – this test usually goes along with the fasting blood glucose. After giving your blood sample for fasting blood glucose, you will be asked to eat breakfast and come back exactly after 2 hours. It is recommended that you eat a normal breakfast as you usually do so that tests are accurate. A blood glucose level greater than 140 mg/dL indicates a diagnosis of diabetes.

In addition to the above tests, you may be asked to get two other tests which include:

1. Oral glucose tolerance test – for this test, you will be asked to fast overnight after which a blood sample will be taken to measure fasting blood glucose. Then you will be given a glucose drink and your blood samples will be taken after 30, 90 and 120 minutes. A blood glucose level less than 140 mg/dL is normal. A reading of more than 200 mg/dL after two hours indicates diabetes. A reading between 140-200 mg/dL after two hours indicates the pre-diabetic phase.


2. Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) – this is another simple test where no fasting is required. The test measures the average blood glucose levels of the past 2-3 months.

A1C less than 5.7% is considered normal
A1C 5.7% to 6.4% is the pre-diabetic phase
A diagnosis of diabetes indicates an A1C greater than 6.5%.

None of the above tests require any special preparation except overnight fasting. You can take the test and carry on with your work or other normal activities.

If diagnosed on time, diabetes can be managed well with minimum complications. Newer and effective medications, easy-to-use, portable insulin pens and simpler diagnostics for self-checking at home make diabetes management less burdensome and easier on the individual. Remember diabetes is not a death sentence, rather an opportunity to take better care of your body and keep yourself fit. Staying positive and optimistic is the first step towards good diabetes management.

Diabetes need not adversely impact your well-being. Cultivate healthy habits including a high-fiber, low-calorie diet, exercise regularly (walking, running, jogging, aerobics, calisthenics, Tai-chi, Pilates), drink plenty of water and non-sugar, natural fluids like coconut water, stay calm in all situations, connect to people, make time for family and friends, laugh often and adopt a happy outlook. You will feel better from within and this will also positively impact your next blood tests.