3 Accurate Ways to Diagnose Diabetes Early

Table of Contents

• Why Is Early Diagnosis of Diabetes Important?
• Who Should Get Tested for Diabetes?
• What Are the Main Tests to Diagnose Diabetes?
  • Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Test
  • Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Test
  • Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
• Understanding Your Test Results
• Can Early Diagnosis of Diabetes Be Reversed?
• When to See a Doctor
• Conclusion
• FAQs About Diabetes Diagnosis

Early diabetes diagnosis is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious long-term complications. Yet, nearly half of adults with diabetes remain undiagnosed worldwide. According to the International Diabetes Federation (2015), one in 12 adults in India has diabetes, many of them unaware of their condition. Undetected diabetes can silently damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves, often before symptoms appear. This is why understanding the diagnosis of diabetes and getting tested early matters.

Why Is Early Diagnosis of Diabetes Important?

Diabetes can remain silent for years. People with prediabetes may have normal day-to-day energy but high blood glucose levels that gradually harm their organs. Without early screening, conditions such as:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Kidney failure
• Retinal damage and vision loss
• Foot ulcers and amputations

It can develop before treatment even begins. Detecting diabetes early allows for lifestyle changes and timely medication that can slow or even prevent complications.

If you’re unsure about your risk, you can take a free Prediabetes Self-Assessment Test at Apollo Diagnostics. It’s a quick way to understand whether you should schedule a screening test.

Who Should Get Tested for Diabetes?

Routine screening isn’t just for older adults. Consider testing if you:

• Are above 35 years old
• Have a family history of diabetes
• Lead a sedentary lifestyle or have obesity
• Have high cholesterol or blood pressure
• Are a pregnant woman with risk factors for gestational diabetes
• Notice symptoms like fatigue, excessive thirst, frequent urination, or blurred vision

If any of these apply to you, consult your doctor about when to schedule a test.

What Are the Main Tests to Diagnose Diabetes?

Global health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO), American Diabetes Association (ADA), and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recognize three reliable tests for confirming diabetes.

1. Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Test

The HbA1c test for diabetes measures your average blood sugar levels over the past three months.

What it measures:

How much glucose has attached to hemoglobin in your red blood cells?

When it’s used:

For detecting both prediabetes and diabetes.

Fasting requirement:

None. You can take the test anytime during the day.

Diagnosis criteria:

• Normal: Below 5.7%
• Prediabetes: 5.7% – 6.4%
• Diabetes: 6.5% or above

Advantages:

• Convenient (no fasting)
• Reflects long-term glucose control
• Helps in both diagnosis and treatment monitoring

If you’re tracking your blood sugar control, your doctor may recommend repeating this test every three to six months. You can also book an HbA1c test at Apollo Diagnostics with home sample collection.

Also Read: Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Test: Assessing Long-term Blood Sugar Control

2. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Test

The fasting blood sugar test measures your blood glucose level after at least eight hours of fasting, usually overnight.

What it measures:

How much sugar remains in your bloodstream without food intake?

When it’s used:

As a basic screening tool for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.

Diagnosis criteria (in mg/dL):

• Normal: Below 100
• Prediabetes: 100–125
• Diabetes: 126 or higher

Why fasting is needed:

Eating affects glucose levels, so fasting gives a true baseline for comparison.

Preparation tips:

• Avoid eating or drinking (except water) for 8–10 hours before the test.
• Inform your doctor about any medications, as some may affect results.

What it reveals:

High fasting glucose may suggest insulin resistance or early diabetes, both of which raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.

3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

The oral glucose tolerance test for diabetes checks how well your body processes sugar after consuming a glucose drink.

Procedure:

• A fasting blood sample is taken.
• You drink a glucose solution containing 75 grams of sugar.
• Additional samples are taken at intervals (usually after two hours).

Diagnosis criteria (in mg/dL):

• Normal: Below 140
• Prediabetes: 140–199
• Diabetes: 200 or higher

When doctors recommend it:

• To confirm borderline fasting results
• For detecting gestational diabetes in pregnant women
• When symptoms appear despite normal fasting glucose

Advantages:

The OGTT provides one of the clearest pictures of how your body handles glucose over time.

Understanding Your Test Results

Your doctor will interpret your results alongside symptoms and medical history. Here’s what they typically indicate:

Borderline or unexpected readings are often rechecked for confirmation.

You can also explore Apollo Diagnostics’ Comprehensive Diabetes Profile to monitor blood sugar, kidney function, and lipid levels together for a clearer overall view.

Can Early Diagnosis of Diabetes Be Reversed?

In many cases, prediabetes can be reversed with sustained lifestyle improvements. Regular exercise, weight management, and a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in refined carbs can normalize blood sugar levels.

Routine monitoring through tests like HbA1c and FBS helps track progress. With early diagnosis, many individuals can delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

When to See a Doctor

Schedule an appointment if you experience:

• Persistent fatigue
• Increased thirst and frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections
• Blurred vision

Even without symptoms, it’s wise to get tested periodically, especially if you fall into a higher-risk group. Apollo Diagnostics provides convenient home sample collection and accurate testing to support early diabetes management.

Conclusion

Early diabetes diagnosis can change the course of your health. The three key tests, HbA1c test, Fasting Blood Sugar, and Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, offer reliable ways to identify prediabetes and diabetes early. Timely detection enables you to take control, adjust your lifestyle, and work with your healthcare provider to prevent complications.

You can book your diabetes diagnosis test with Apollo Diagnostics today for accurate, affordable results and easy home sample collection.

FAQs: Diabetes Diagnosis Criteria

1. What HbA1c level indicates diabetes?
An HbA1c reading of 6.5% or higher typically indicates diabetes.

2. What is the normal range for blood sugar?
A fasting blood sugar below 100 mg/dL is considered normal.

3. Which test is best to diagnose diabetes?
The HbA1c test is convenient for most people, but doctors may combine it with fasting and oral glucose tests for confirmation.

4. Can diabetes be diagnosed without fasting?
Yes, the HbA1c test and random glucose tests can be done without fasting.

5. How often should I get tested for diabetes?
If your results are normal, test every 1–3 years. If you have prediabetes, repeat testing every 6–12 months is recommended.