A small sample of blood is withdrawn and tested for the presence of glucose (blood sugar). Your doctor will usually test your blood after a period of “fasting” (nothing to eat or drink except for water) for eight hours. A blood test that is done without prior fasting is called a “random” or non-fasting test.
The American Diabetes Association uses these guidelines for detecting diabetes:
• A fasting blood glucose of 100-125mg/dl is considered pre-diabetes
• A fasting blood glucose of 126mg/dl or higher is considered Diabetes
• An Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: a two hour test 140-199mg/dl is considered pre-diabetes
• An Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: a two hour test 200mg/dl or higher is considered Diabetes
• A random blood glucose of 200mg/dl or greater is significant for Diabetes