Diabetes Awareness Month
Understanding Diabetes & Essential Laboratory Tests
Why Diabetes Testing Matters
Diabetes is a growing health concern, often developing silently without early symptoms. Regular laboratory testing plays a critical role in early detection, diagnosis, and ongoing management, helping to prevent long-term complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage.
People living with diabetes should receive regular Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) testing. Individuals at risk — including those who are overweight or have a family history of diabetes — are encouraged to undergo periodic screening, even if they feel well.
What is the HbA1c Test?
The Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) test is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3–4 months.
Unlike a single glucose reading taken at one moment in time, the HbA1c provides a more reliable picture of long-term blood sugar control by measuring the percentage of glucose attached to hemoglobin in red blood cells.
Key HbA1c Ranges:
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Below 5.7% – Normal
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5.7% – 6.4% – Pre-diabetes
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6.5% or higher (on two separate tests) – Diabetes
✔ No fasting is required
✔ Used for both diagnosis and monitoring
Diabetic Panel of Tests
A Diabetic Panel consists of a group of blood and urine tests used to diagnose diabetes, assess control, and identify early complications.
Key Tests Included
1. Blood Glucose Test
Measures the amount of glucose in the bloodstream.
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Fasting blood glucose (preferred for accuracy)
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Random blood glucose
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A result of ≥200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) may indicate diabetes
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Used for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring diabetes control.
2. HbA1c Test
Provides a long-term overview of blood sugar control over several months and reflects both highs and lows.
3. Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
Also known as a glucose loading test.
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Requires overnight fasting
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Blood glucose measured before and 2 hours after drinking a glucose solution
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Helps diagnose diabetes and pre-diabetes when other tests are inconclusive
4. Non-Esterified Fatty Acids (NEFA)
NEFA testing evaluates fat metabolism and insulin resistance.
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Normal fasting range: 0.1 – 0.9 mmol/L
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Elevated levels are commonly seen in:
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Uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes
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Obesity
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Insulin resistance
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NEFA levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk and may assist in treatment planning.
5. Serum Creatinine Test
A blood test used to assess kidney function.
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Can be collected at any time of the day
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Important for detecting diabetic kidney disease
6. Urine Micro-Albumin Test
Detects small amounts of protein in urine.
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Earliest marker of diabetic kidney damage
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Helps assess severity and progression of kidney disease
7. Lipogram (Lipid Profile)
Includes:
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Total cholesterol
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LDL cholesterol
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HDL cholesterol
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Triglycerides
Used to evaluate cardiovascular risk, including heart attack and stroke — conditions commonly associated with diabetes.
Patient Preparation
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Overnight fasting is preferred for fasting glucose, NEFA, and GTT
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HbA1c testing does not require fasting
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Preferred specimen: Serum or plasma (EDTA)
Monitoring & Controlling Diabetes
Regular testing allows healthcare providers to:
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Track disease progression
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Adjust treatment plans
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Detect complications early
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Improve long-term health outcomes
Early diagnosis and consistent monitoring empower patients to take control of their health.
Could you be at risk of Diabetes?
People with diabetes should receive regular hemoglobin A1C tests (Hba1c tests). Those who have risk factors for diabetes such as being overweight, or having a family history of diabetes should consider receiving periodic hemoglobin A1C tests (hba1c tests.)