Blood glucose (blood sugar) is used to monitor for diabetes and pre-diabetes. It is important for blood glucose levels to stay in a healthy range. If they go too low, you can lose the ability to think and function normally. If they go too high, it can cause damage and complications to the body over the course of many years. 

Three tests can be completed to test for diabetes: A1c test which measures your average blood glucose level over the past 2 or 3 months; Fasting blood glucose test which measures your blood sugar after an overnight fast (not eating); or a glucose tolerance test which measures your blood glucose before and after you drink a liquid that contains glucose. The chart below describes the current ranges for each of these tests.

Talk with your healthcare provider to understand your risk for type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes and a recommended screening schedule.

To learn more, visit the CDC’s Diabetes page

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