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Diabetes affects millions of people, and early detection makes a huge difference. Blood sugar tests help diagnose diabetes and pre-diabetes, and monitor how well it is being managed. The three most common tests are fasting blood glucose, post-prandial glucose and HbA1c.
The key tests
- Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) — measured after at least 8 hours of fasting.
- Post-Prandial (PP) Glucose — measured 2 hours after a meal.
- HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin) — reflects your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months, so it doesn't need fasting.
Understanding the numbers
| Category | Fasting (mg/dL) | HbA1c (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Below 100 | Below 5.7 |
| Pre-diabetes | 100 – 125 | 5.7 – 6.4 |
| Diabetes | 126 or above | 6.5 or above |
Note: Diagnosis is based on repeated/combined results and clinical judgement.
Always confirm with your doctor.
How often should you test?
- Healthy adults: a fasting sugar or HbA1c as part of a yearly health check.
- At higher risk (family history, obesity, high BP): more frequent screening.
- Diagnosed diabetics: HbA1c is typically checked every 3–6 months.
How to prepare
For a fasting glucose test, do not eat or drink anything except water for 8–12 hours beforehand. HbA1c requires no fasting and can be done at any time of day.
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Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not
constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified physician for diagnosis and treatment.