Diabetes Package
- Glucose (Fasting)
- HbA1c
- HOMA-IR
- Insulin
- Glucose tolerance test
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is a chronic metabolic disease characterised by blood glucose (sugar) levels rising above normal. It develops when insufficient insulin is secreted or the body cannot use insulin effectively.
Early diagnosis and appropriate monitoring are crucial in preventing diabetes-related cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, vision loss and nervous system complications.
Prediabetes (borderline diabetes) is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but do not yet meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes. Measures taken during this period may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Which Tests Are Included in the Diabetes Package?
1. Fasting Blood Sugar (Glucose)
Measures the blood glucose level after at least 8 hours of fasting. It is one of the main tests used to screen for diabetes and prediabetes.
2. HbA1c (Haemoglobin A1c)
Reflects the average blood sugar level over approximately the past 2–3 months. It is used to diagnose diabetes and assess blood sugar control in patients who have already been diagnosed. Fasting is not required for this test.
3. Fasting Insulin
Measures the blood level of insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas. It may provide additional information about insulin production and metabolic status. On its own, it cannot establish a diagnosis of diabetes or insulin resistance.
4. HOMA-IR (Insulin Resistance)
A value calculated using fasting blood sugar and fasting insulin levels. It may help assess the body's sensitivity to insulin.
There is no single universally accepted normal value or diagnostic threshold for HOMA-IR. Results should be interpreted alongside clinical findings and the laboratory method used.
5. Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is performed to assess how the body processes glucose. Blood sugar is measured 2 hours after a standard 75 gram glucose load to investigate prediabetes and diabetes.
Normal, Prediabetes and Diabetes Values
The values below are the diagnostic thresholds used for non-pregnant adults according to the ADA 2026 guidelines.
| Test | Normal | Prediabetes | Diabetes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting blood sugar | Below 100 mg/dL | 100–125 mg/dL | ≥126 mg/dL |
| HbA1c | Below 5,7% | 5,7–6,4% | ≥6,5% |
| 75 g OGTT (2 hours) | Below 140 mg/dL | 140–199 mg/dL | ≥200 mg/dL |
Important: In people without symptoms of diabetes, a second abnormal test result is usually required to confirm the diagnosis. HOMA-IR and fasting insulin are not used to diagnose diabetes.
Who Should Consider Diabetes Testing?
Diabetes screening may be recommended particularly for people who have a family history of diabetes, are overweight, lead a sedentary lifestyle, or have hypertension or high cholesterol. Assessment is also important for women with a history of gestational diabetes and adults over 35 years of age.
Is Fasting Required Before Diabetes Tests?
At least 8 hours of fasting is required for fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR assessment. The HbA1c test can be performed at any time of day.
Special preparation may be required for the glucose tolerance test. We recommend contacting our laboratory for information before the test.
Where Can I Have Diabetes Tests in Northern Cyprus?
At Wellcare Laboratories, we offer testing services for the assessment of diabetes and prediabetes at our laboratory branches in Nicosia and Kyrenia.
Through our laboratory services within the scope of ISO 15189 accreditation, we aim to provide accurate, reliable and timely results.
About Diabetes Tests
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tests are used to check for diabetes?
Fasting blood glucose, HbA1c or a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) may be used to assess diabetes and prediabetes. The appropriate test is determined by the individual's risk factors and the doctor's assessment. Not everyone needs to have all the tests together.
What should fasting blood glucose be?
A fasting blood glucose level below 100 mg/dL is below the prediabetes threshold. Levels of 100–125 mg/dL fall within the prediabetes range, while 126 mg/dL and above meet the diagnostic threshold for diabetes. If there are no clear symptoms of high blood glucose, the result must be confirmed to diagnose diabetes.
What is HbA1c, and what is its normal range?
HbA1c reflects the average blood glucose level over approximately the past 2–3 months. Below 5.7% is normal, 5.7–6.4% is the prediabetes range, and 6.5% and above is the diagnostic range for diabetes. For people diagnosed with diabetes, treatment targets are set individually and differ from diagnostic thresholds.
What is prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose is higher than normal but has not reached the diagnostic threshold for diabetes. It often causes no symptoms. A finding of prediabetes does not mean that diabetes will definitely develop; appropriate nutrition, regular physical activity and weight loss when needed can reduce the risk.
Do I need to fast before diabetes tests?
At least 8 hours of fasting is required for fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin measurements; water may be consumed during this period. Fasting is not required for HbA1c. Before an OGTT, the laboratory's preparation instructions should be followed.
How is the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) interpreted?
In non-pregnant adults, blood glucose is assessed 2 hours after drinking 75 grams of glucose. Below 140 mg/dL is normal, 140–199 mg/dL is the prediabetes range, and 200 mg/dL and above is the diagnostic range for diabetes. Different diagnostic thresholds are used during pregnancy.
Does a high HOMA-IR mean I have diabetes?
No. HOMA-IR, calculated using fasting glucose and fasting insulin, may help assess insulin resistance; it does not diagnose diabetes on its own. As there is no single HOMA-IR threshold that applies to everyone, the result should be interpreted alongside the laboratory method and clinical findings.
Can diabetes be diagnosed from a single high result?
In the absence of unequivocal hyperglycaemia, two abnormal results are required for diagnosis. These may be obtained by repeating the same test at different times or by two different tests exceeding the diagnostic threshold. If marked high blood glucose is accompanied by symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination and unexplained weight loss, the doctor may assess the situation differently.
Who should be screened for diabetes, and how often?
The ADA recommends that screening begin at age 35 in adults with no other risk factors. Earlier assessment may be considered for people who are overweight or have obesity along with risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, hypertension or physical inactivity. If results are normal, screening is generally recommended every three years; if prediabetes is present, annual checks are recommended. Individual risk factors may change this interval.
Where can I have diabetes tests in Northern Cyprus?
Tests for diabetes assessment are available at Wellcare Laboratories' branches at Wellcare Health Clinic and Miracle Hospital in Nicosia, and Medicalport Tunççevik Hospital in Kyrenia. You can contact our branches for information on test selection, fasting duration and OGTT preparation.