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Sugar testing: the key to glucose control and diabetes prevention
Why is a sugar test performed?
Blood glucose levels are one of the main biomarkers of metabolism. Its monitoring allows you to detect pancreatic dysfunction, diagnose diabetes or prediabetes in a timely manner, and assess the risks of complications from the cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine systems.
According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, every person after 45 years of age should check their glucose levels at least once every three years, even if there are no complaints (WHO, 2023).
Types of glucose tests
There are several laboratory methods for determining sugar levels. The most common of them are:
Fasting glucose — a basic test recommended for everyone as part of a routine examination.
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) — shows the average glucose level over the last 2–3 months.
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) — allows you to detect impaired glucose tolerance.
Random glucose — measured at any time of the day, used in cases of acute symptoms.
Glucose in urine — additional study to assess the renal threshold.
Normal glucose values
| Analysis type | Reference values for adults |
|---|---|
| Fasting glucose | 3.3–5.5 mmol/L |
| 2 hours after glucose load | < 7.8 mmol/L |
| Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) | < 5.7 % |
| Random glucose | < 7.8 mmol/L |
Indicators in the range of 5.7–6.4 % HbA1c indicate prediabetes, above 6.5 % confirm diabetes (source: Mayo Clinic).
Who should get tested?
Overweight or obese individuals
People with a hereditary predisposition to diabetes
Women after gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing >4 kg
People with high blood pressure or cholesterol levels
Individuals who have chronic fatigue, severe thirst, frequent urination
Patients taking glucocorticosteroids
Examples of clinical application
Example 1. A 37-year-old female patient complains of drowsiness, dry mouth, and irritability. HbA1c is 6.2 %. Prediabetes is diagnosed. After dietary therapy and physical activity, the level decreased to 5.8 % in three months.
Example 2. A 60-year-old man with hypertension and obesity has a fasting glucose of 7.0 mmol/L. After confirming the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, hypoglycemic therapy is prescribed.
How to prepare for the analysis
Do not eat for 8–12 hours before donating fasting blood glucose.
Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours
Avoid physical exertion the day before the test.
Drink only clean water.
No preparation is required for HbA1c
According to information FDA, the latest methods allow you to monitor glucose levels even without taking blood, but laboratory tests remain the "gold standard" for primary diagnosis.
A sugar test is not only an indicator of the current condition, but also a prognostic factor. Regular testing can prevent serious consequences, including damage to the kidneys, blood vessels, and nervous system. By choosing prevention, you are choosing control over your health.
