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Tests for diabetes

Tests for Both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes


Doctors usually start with blood tests that measure how the body handles glucose (sugar).


1. Fasting Blood Glucose Test


Measures blood sugar after not eating for about 8 hours.


Higher-than-normal levels may mean diabetes or prediabetes.



2. HbA1c Test (A1C)


Shows your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months.


Used to diagnose both types and to monitor diabetes long-term.



3. Random Blood Glucose Test


Blood sugar is checked at any time, even if you just ate.


Very high levels can signal diabetes.



4. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)


Blood sugar is tested before and after drinking a sugary liquid.


Checks how well your body handles glucose over time.



Tests That Help Determine Type 1 Diabetes


These tests help tell whether the diabetes is autoimmune.


1. Autoantibody Tests


Doctors check for specific antibodies that attack insulin-producing cells, such as:


GAD antibodies


IA-2 antibodies


ZnT8 antibodies



Having these suggests Type 1 diabetes.


2. C-Peptide Test


Shows how much insulin the body is making.


Low C-peptide → body isn’t making much insulin → suggests Type 1.



Tests That Help Determine Type 2 Diabetes


Type 2 is usually identified by standard glucose tests, but other checks help evaluate health and symptoms:


1. C-Peptide (opposite of Type 1)


Normal or high C-peptide suggests your body is still making insulin → more typical for Type 2.



2. Lipid Panel


Checks cholesterol levels, since Type 2 often comes with high cholesterol.



3. Blood Pressu

re & Weight Checks


Help understand risk factors connected to Type 2.


The result of type 1 and type 2 common tests:


The general result ranges for the most common tests used to diagnose Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

These are educational only — not for diagnosing yourself. Only a doctor can interpret results.


1. Fasting Blood Glucose Test


Blood sugar after not eating for 8 hours.


Result Level


Normal Below 100 mg/dL

Prediabetes 100–125 mg/dL

Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2) 126 mg/dL or higher (on 2 different tests)



2. HbA1c (A1C) Test


Average blood sugar over past 2–3 months.


Result Level


Normal Below 5.7%

Prediabetes 5.7–6.4%

Diabetes 6.5% or higher



Same numbers for both Type 1 and Type 2.


3. Random Blood Sugar Test


Blood sugar checked at any time.


Result Level


Diabetes likely 200 mg/dL or higher, especially with symptoms


4. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)


Blood sugar 2 hours after drinking a sugary drink.


Result Level


Normal Below 140 mg/dL

Prediabetes 140–199 mg/dL

Diabetes 200 mg/dL or higher


Tests that help tell Type 1 vs. Type 2


5. Autoantibody Tests (for Type 1)


If positive, it suggests Type 1 diabetes, because these antibodies attack insulin-producing cells.


Examples of antibodies:


GAD


IA-2


ZnT8



Type 2 diabetes usually has NO autoantibodies.


6. C-Peptide Test


Shows how much insulin your body makes.


Result Meaning


Low C-peptide Your body makes little/no insulin → suggests Type 1

Normal or high 

C-peptide Your body makes insulin but doesn’t use it well → suggests Type 2


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