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Diabetes Testing & Management

Diabetes and prediabetes are diagnosed with blood tests that show whether your blood glucose (sugar) is above a healthy range. Home glucose meters can't diagnose diabetes, so testing belongs with a clinician, followed by an ongoing plan to keep blood sugar in range.

The tests

The A1C test reflects your average blood glucose over the past 3 months, and you don't need to fast. The fasting plasma glucose test is most reliable in the morning after at least 8 hours without food or drink (sips of water are fine). A random plasma glucose test can be done any time you have symptoms. NIDDK notes that anyone with diabetes symptoms should be tested, along with people with risk factors such as being 35 or older, or overweight with another risk factor. Adults with normal results should be retested every 3 years, and people with prediabetes every year.

Low and high blood sugar emergencies

Severely low blood glucose can cause passing out, coma, or death. Glucagon is the best treatment, and anyone who gives it should call 911 right away. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening emergency. Go to the ER or call 911 for decreased alertness, fruity-smelling breath, nausea and vomiting, or trouble breathing.

Go to the ER instead if you have:

What it costs

Lab fees depend on which tests are run. Medicare may cover diabetes testing if you have certain risk factors; with other insurance, ask your plan. See the full Illinois cost guide.

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General health-services information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.