Diabetes Tests

Glucose (Fasting)
HbA1c
HOMA-IR
Insulin

Who should undergo diabetes testing?

In its early stages, diabetes may or may not cause many symptoms. You should get tested if you experience any of the early symptoms that do sometimes occur, including:

Extreme thirst
Feeling tired all the time
Feeling very hungry, even after eating
Blurry vision
Urinating more often than usual
Have sores or cuts that won’t heal

Some people should be tested for diabetes even if they aren’t experiencing symptoms. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends you undergo diabetes testing if you’re overweight (body mass index greater than 25) and fall into any of the following categories:

You’re a high risk ethnicity (African American, Latino, Native American, Pacific Islander, Asian American)
You have high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, or heart disease
You have a family history of diabetes
You have a personal history of abnormal blood sugar levels or signs of insulin resistance
You don’t engage in regular physical activity
You’re a woman with a history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or gestational diabetes

The ADA also recommends you undergo an initial blood sugar test if you are over the age of 45. This helps you establish a baseline for blood sugar levels. Because your risk for diabetes increases with age, testing can help you identify your chances for developing it.