Diabetes testing means evaluating blood sugar levels by a medical laboratory. The timing of the sample will itself determine that how high or how low is considered abnormal.

There is always a possibility that the sugar level of a newly diagnosed diabetic comes out in the normal range. In this case blood sugar test is repeated or a glucose tolerance test is suggested.

The following are the tests used for diagnosis of diabetes or prediabetes

Fasting plasma glucose test

Fasting blood glucose test is used to measure the sugar level in the blood after you have gone at least 8 hours without eating anything. You however can drink plain water. The test is more reliable if done as a first thing in the morning. This test is used to determine prediabetes or diabetes.

Oral glucose tolerance test

The oral glucose tolerance test is used to measure the sugar level in the blood after you have gone through at least 8 hours without eating. A glucose containing beverage is given to the person whose glucose levels are measured and a series of blood test is carried out to know the pattern of glucose levels. This also determines the diabetes or prediabetes.

Random plasma glucose test

In random plasma glucose test the doctor checks the sugar level regardless of when you have taken your last meal. If comes out positive than fasting test should be repeated to confirm the diagnosis.

Urine sugar test or home glucose testing if came out positive, means that there is an urgency to consult the doctor but if came out negative, it do not exclude the chances of diabetes.