There are several blood tests for prediabetes and diabetes.
Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test
This test shows your average blood sugar level for the past three months.
In general:
- Normal – A1C level below 5.7
- Prediabetes – A1C level between 5.7 and 6.4
- Type 2 Diabetes – A1C level of 6.5 or higher on two separate tests
Certain conditions can make the A1C test inaccurate — such as if you’re pregnant or have an uncommon form of hemoglobin.
Fasting blood sugar test
A blood sample is taken after you fast for at least eight hours or overnight.
In general:
- Normal – A fasting blood sugar level below 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) — 5.6 millimoles per liter (mmol/L)
- Prediabetes – A fasting blood sugar level from 101 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 7.0 mmol/L). This result is sometimes called impaired fasting glucose.
- Type 2 Diabetes – A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher.
Oral glucose tolerance test
This test is usually used to diagnose diabetes only during pregnancy. A blood sample is taken after you fast for at least eight hours or overnight. Then you’ll drink a sugary solution, and your blood sugar level will be measured again after two hours.
In general:
- Normal – blood sugar level less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L)
- Prediabetes – blood sugar level from 140 to 199 mg/dL (7.8 to 11.0 mmol/L). This is sometimes referred to as impaired glucose tolerance.
- Type 2 Diabetes – blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher.
If you have prediabetes, your doctor will typically check your blood sugar levels at least once a year.
