Diabetes Test Overview

A diabetes test is a laboratory investigation that measures blood glucose levels to check whether an individual has diabetes or is at risk of developing it. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively. As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to long-term complications if untreated.

Uncontrolled diabetes may cause heart disease, kidney damage, vision loss, nerve disorders, and poor wound healing. Testing is essential for early diagnosis and ongoing management. Many people live with undiagnosed diabetes for years because symptoms such as fatigue, frequent urination, or excessive thirst may develop slowly. A simple blood test can confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment, allowing individuals to make timely lifestyle changes or start medication.

A diabetes test in Bengaluru costs about 399 INR.

Why Is the Test Prescribed?

Doctors may recommend a diabetes test in several situations, including:

• Symptoms of diabetes such as persistent thirst, excessive urination, weight loss, fatigue, or blurred vision.
• Routine screening for adults over 40 years, even without obvious symptoms.
• High-risk individuals such as those who are overweight, have a sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, or a family history of diabetes.
• Pregnant women, to detect gestational diabetes between 24–28 weeks.
• Monitoring patients with diabetes to check blood sugar control and evaluate treatment effectiveness.

Types of Diabetes Tests

Several tests are available to screen for and monitor diabetes:

• Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Measures glucose after at least 8 hours of fasting.
• Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS) – Checks sugar levels two hours after a meal.
• Random Blood Sugar (RBS)- A quick test taken at any time of the day.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) Measures the body’s ability to handle glucose after a fixed dose.
• HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin Test) Reflects average glucose levels over the past 2–3 months.
• Urine testsMay detect glucose or ketones in uncontrolled diabetes cases.

Each test provides different insights, and doctors may recommend one or more depending on clinical needs.

Procedure and Prerequisites

The procedure varies with the type of test:

• Fasting test require 8–10 hours of fasting before the blood sample is collected.
• Post-meal testsare performed exactly two hours after eating.
• HbA1ccan be done anytime without fasting.
• Samples are collected from a vein in the arm and processed in a laboratory.

The test is safe, takes only a few minutes, and results are usually available the same day.