Ulta Lab Tests

All Diabetes Tests

All Diabetes Tests | Ulta Lab Tests

Meta Description

Explore a complete lab toolkit for diabetes: A1c, fasting and post-meal glucose, OGTT, fructosamine, insulin/C-peptide, kidney and lipid panels—fast, secure results.

All Diabetes Tests

Overview

“All Diabetes Tests” brings your key lab options into one place so you can see where you are now and where you’re headed. A proactive plan starts with glucose control tests—A1c (past 2–3 months), fasting glucose (today), post-meal/OGTT (after-meal spikes), and fructosamine (past 2–3 weeks). To round out risk, add kidney and lipid panels, and a liver panel when needed. When diabetes type is unclear, insulin, C-peptide, and autoantibodies help with classification.
Labs can confirm risk, track progress, and set baselines for follow-up. They cannot manage diabetes by themselves or replace a clinician’s evaluation, eye and foot exams, or your home readings/CGM. Use results with your medical history and regular visits to make timely, informed decisions.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • Possible high blood sugar: frequent urination, increased thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing cuts.

  • Low sugar (if treated): shakiness, sweating, confusion, headache.

  • Metabolic risk: family history, excess weight, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, sleep apnea, prior gestational diabetes.

  • When to seek urgent care: vomiting, rapid breathing, fruity breath (possible ketoacidosis) or severe low sugar with confusion/fainting.
    All symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified clinician.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Detect prediabetes/diabetes and show short- and long-term control.

  • Stratify risk for kidney and heart disease with kidney and lipid panels.

  • Clarify diabetes type when the course is atypical or uncertain.

  • Build objective trends to guide the timing of follow-up.

What testing cannot do

  • Replace clinician judgment, lifestyle counseling, or guideline screenings (eye/foot/heart checks).

  • Explain every glucose swing—illness, hydration, medicines, and collection timing matter.

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • A1c (Hemoglobin A1c): average glucose over ~2–3 months. Best for: long-term control/screening. Caveat: less reliable with some anemias, kidney disease, pregnancy, or hemoglobin variants.

  • Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG): current level after an 8–12-hour fast. Best for: baseline/confirmation. Caveat:stress or illness can raise results.

  • 2-Hour OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test): glucose after a measured drink. Best for: borderline cases and after-meal spikes. Caveat: requires precise timing.

  • Post-meal (2-hour) Glucose: real-world meal response. Best for: detecting spikes A1c can miss. Caveat: follow timing instructions closely.

  • Random Plasma Glucose: spot check without fasting. Best for: symptomatic evaluation. Caveat: confirm with standard tests.

  • Fructosamine (or Glycated Albumin): average over ~2–3 weeks. Best for: rapid feedback or when A1c is unreliable. Caveat: affected by protein status/thyroid disease.

  • Insulin & C-Peptide: endogenous insulin output and resistance context. Best for: classification and resistance patterns. Caveat: interpret with glucose results.

  • Diabetes Autoantibodies (GAD65, IA-2, ZnT8, ICA): immune markers for type 1. Best for: unclear type. Caveat:not needed for everyone.

  • Kidney Panel (Creatinine/eGFR) & Urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio (uACR): kidney function and early albumin leak. Best for: complication screening. Caveat: repeat to confirm persistent changes.

  • Lipid Panel: LDL, HDL, triglycerides for heart risk. Best for: cardiovascular planning. Caveat: be consistent with fasting vs non-fasting.

  • Liver Panel (ALT/AST/ALP/bilirubin): context for fatty liver or drug effects. Caveat: many non-diabetes causes.

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Pick your starting set: most begin with A1c + fasting glucose, plus lipid panel, kidney panel, and uACR for risk.

  2. Prepare & collect: follow fasting instructions if required; standard blood draw and a spot urine for uACR.

  3. Get results securely: most labs post within a few days to your online account.

  4. Review with your clinician: align lab trends with history, home readings/CGM, and goals; plan next steps.

  5. Monitor trends: repeat labs at agreed intervals to track progress and adjust your plan.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • Focus on direction and pace of change, not a single value.

  • If A1c and home readings don’t match, consider fructosamine and post-meal/OGTT checks.

  • Consider context—illness, steroids, dehydration, iron status, pregnancy, and collection timing.

  • Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Baseline screen/risk map: A1c + fasting glucose + lipid panel + kidney panel + uACR.

  • Borderline or A1c limitations: add fructosamine and post-meal or OGTT.

  • Type unclear or atypical course: consider insulin, C-peptide, and autoantibodies.

  • Ongoing risk management: repeat A1c, lipids, kidney panel, and uACR on a schedule set with your clinician; add liver panel as indicated.

FAQs

Do I have to fast for every diabetes test?
No. A1c and fructosamine do not require fasting; fasting glucose, OGTT, and many lipid panels do.

Which test is best to start with?
Many start with A1c + fasting glucose to capture long-term and current status.

My A1c seems off—what now?
Ask about fructosamine and post-meal/OGTT testing, and review factors like anemia or hemoglobin variants.

Can labs tell if I’m type 1 or type 2?
Insulin, C-peptide, and autoantibodies can help classify type when it’s unclear.

Which labs catch complications early?
uACR and kidney panel screen for kidney disease; the lipid panel informs heart risk. Eye and foot exams remain essential.

How often should I repeat labs?
Intervals are individualized; many people re-test at planned times set with their clinician.

Internal Links & Cross-References

  • Diabetes Tests Hub

  • Diabetes Screening

  • Blood Sugar Monitoring

  • Diabetes Management

  • Insulin Resistance

  • Kidney Health (Microalbumin)

  • Lipid Panel & Heart Risk

  • Key Lab Tests: A1c • Fasting Plasma Glucose • 2-Hour OGTT • Post-Meal Glucose • Fructosamine • Insulin • C-Peptide • Diabetes Autoantibodies • Creatinine/eGFR • Urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio • Lipid Panel • Liver Panel

References

  1. American Diabetes Association. Standards of Care in Diabetes.

  2. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: Screening.

  3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The A1C Test & Diabetes.

  4. National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program. Factors That Interfere With HbA1c Results.

  5. International Federation of Clinical Chemistry. HbA1c Standardization Consensus.

  6. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO). Diabetes in CKD—Evaluation and Management.

  7. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association. Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol.

Available Tests & Panels

Your “All Diabetes Tests” menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Start with A1c + fasting glucose and kidney/lipid panels for control and risk. Add fructosamine for short-term feedback, post-meal/OGTT for spikes, and insulin/C-peptide/autoantibodies when classification is unclear. Use filters to compare individual markers and bundled panels, and review all results with your clinician.

  • Page
  • 4
  • of
  • 8
  • Total Rows
  • 196
Name Matches

The Fructosamine Test measures average blood glucose levels over the past 2–3 weeks by evaluating glycated proteins. Unlike the HbA1c test, which reflects long-term control, this test provides a shorter-term view, making it useful for monitoring recent treatment changes, pregnancy, or conditions affecting red blood cells. Doctors use it to assess diabetes management, adjust medications, and evaluate how well blood sugar is being controlled.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Glycated Serum Protein Test, GSP Test
Add to  
Most Popular

The GGT Test measures gamma-glutamyl transferase, an enzyme found in the liver and bile ducts, to evaluate liver health. Elevated GGT may indicate liver disease, bile duct obstruction, alcohol use, or medication side effects. Doctors order this test to investigate symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, or abdominal pain and to monitor liver damage. It is often performed with other liver tests to provide a complete picture of liver and bile duct function.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Gamma Glutamyl Transferase Test, Gamma Glutamyl TransPeptidase Test, GGTP Test, GTP Test
Add to  

The Glucagon Test evaluates hormone levels that regulate glucose by stimulating the liver to release stored sugar. Elevated or low glucagon may indicate diabetes, hypoglycemia, metabolic disorders, or pancreatic disease. This test provides insight into endocrine activity, glucose balance, and systemic health conditions related to energy metabolism and hormonal function.

Blood
Blood Draw
Add to  
Most Popular

The Glucose Test measures blood sugar levels to evaluate energy metabolism and screen for diabetes or prediabetes. Abnormal glucose may indicate hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, or metabolic disorders. Doctors use this test during routine exams, to investigate symptoms like fatigue, excessive thirst, or frequent urination, and to monitor treatment for diabetes. It provides essential insight into how the body regulates blood sugar and overall metabolic health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Fasting Glucose Test, Fasting Blood Sugar Test
Add to  

The Glucose Tolerance Test, 2 Specimens, 75g evaluates the body’s glucose metabolism by testing fasting and one-hour blood glucose levels after ingestion of a 75-gram glucose solution. It is an important diagnostic tool for identifying impaired glucose regulation, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. This test helps reveal early changes in insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic function.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Glucose 2 Specimen Test, Glucose 2 Hour Test, 2 Specimen Glucose Test
Add to  

The Glucose Tolerance Test, 3 Specimens, 75g evaluates blood sugar at fasting, 1-hour, and 2-hour intervals following a 75-gram glucose drink. It is a key diagnostic tool for identifying impaired glucose regulation, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. Measuring glucose response at multiple times allows clinicians to assess insulin function, detect early metabolic dysfunction, and better understand progression to diabetes.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Glucose 3 Specimen Test, Glucose 2 Hour Test, Glucose 1 hour Test, 3 Specimen Glucose Test
Add to  

The Glucose Tolerance Test, 4 Specimens evaluates blood glucose at fasting, 1-hour, 2-hour, and 3-hour intervals after a glucose drink. This test is an important tool for diagnosing or screening for prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and impaired glucose metabolism. Measuring glucose response across multiple specimens provides valuable data on insulin function, carbohydrate handling, and overall metabolic health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Glucose 4 Specimen Test, Glucose 3 Hour Test, Glucose 1 and a Half Hour Test, 4 Specimen Glucose Test
Add to  

The Glucose Tolerance Test, 5 Specimens evaluates glucose response at fasting, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours after a standard glucose drink. By analyzing multiple specimens, it identifies impaired glucose tolerance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. The test provides clinicians with extensive information on insulin function, glucose regulation, and the progression of metabolic disorders that affect long-term health outcomes.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Glucose 5 Specimen Test, Glucose 4 Hour Test, Glucose 2 hour Test, 5 Specimen Glucose Test
Add to  

The Glucose Tolerance Test, 6 Specimens evaluates blood sugar response at fasting and hourly intervals up to 5 hours after ingestion of a glucose solution. This test provides a comprehensive assessment of glucose metabolism, helping detect impaired glucose tolerance, prediabetes, and diabetes risk. Measuring six specimens reveals detailed patterns of insulin function, metabolic regulation, and progression to chronic disease.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Glucose 6 Specimen Test, Glucose 5 Hour Test, Glucose 2 and half hour Test, 6 Specimen Glucose Test
Add to  

The Glucose Tolerance Test, 7 Specimens evaluates blood sugar at fasting and six hourly intervals after ingestion of a glucose solution, spanning 6 hours of monitoring. It is used to identify prediabetes, diabetes, and impaired glucose regulation. By analyzing seven specimens, the test reveals patterns in insulin function, metabolic regulation, and progression of abnormalities that impact long-term health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Glucose 7 Specimen Test, Glucose 6 Hour Test, Glucose 3 Hour Test, 7 Specimen Glucose Test
Add to  

The Gestational Glucose Tolerance Test, 3 Specimens, 75g evaluates glucose metabolism during pregnancy by testing fasting, 1-hour, and 2-hour blood glucose following a 75-gram glucose solution. It is widely used to diagnose gestational diabetes and assess maternal insulin function. Monitoring three intervals provides clinicians with essential information about pregnancy-related metabolic health and risk factors.

Blood
Blood Draw
Add to  

The Gestational Glucose Tolerance Test, 4 Specimens, 100g evaluates maternal blood sugar response at fasting, 1, 2, and 3 hours following a 100-gram glucose drink. It is widely used to detect gestational diabetes and impaired glucose regulation in pregnancy. By assessing four time points, the test delivers valuable data on insulin activity, maternal metabolism, and risks that may affect both mother and baby.

Blood
Blood Draw
Add to  
Blood
Blood Draw
Add to  
Most Popular

The Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Test measures enzyme activity to detect G6PD deficiency, a genetic condition that can lead to hemolytic anemia when exposed to certain foods, infections, or medications. Doctors order this test to assess unexplained anemia, jaundice, or family history of G6PD deficiency. Results help identify individuals at risk for red blood cell breakdown, guiding treatment, prevention, and safe medication use.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Test, G6PD Enzyme Test, G6PD Deficiency Test
Add to  

The Fasting and Gestational Glucose Test, 135 Cutoff evaluates fasting glucose and post-load blood sugar one hour after a 50-gram glucose challenge. A 135 mg/dL cutoff helps identify women at increased risk for gestational diabetes who may require follow-up testing. This test offers valuable information about maternal carbohydrate metabolism, insulin activity, and abnormal glucose regulation in pregnancy.

Add to  

The Fasting and Gestational Glucose Test, 140 Cutoff evaluates both fasting glucose and blood sugar one hour after a 50-gram glucose drink. A result above the 140 mg/dL cutoff identifies women at risk for gestational diabetes who may need follow-up testing. This screening tool highlights maternal carbohydrate metabolism, insulin activity, and abnormal glucose regulation during pregnancy.

Blood
Blood Draw
Add to  
 The 1 Hour Fasting and Postprandial Glucose test is a two-part diagnostic evaluation that first measures the glucose level in the blood after an overnight fast and then assesses it again one hour after consuming a glucose-rich meal or drink.
Blood
Blood Draw
Add to  
 The 2 Hour Fasting and Postprandial Glucose Test is a diagnostic procedure that measures the body's ability to metabolize glucose (sugar) and respond to insulin. It involves taking two blood samples: one after an overnight fast and another two hours after consuming a meal.
Blood
Blood Draw
Add to  

The Gestational Glucose Screen, 50g, 135 Cutoff evaluates maternal blood sugar one hour after a 50-gram glucose drink to screen for gestational diabetes risk. A threshold of 135 mg/dL helps determine the need for follow-up glucose tolerance testing. This test offers important information on maternal carbohydrate metabolism, insulin function, and potential complications related to abnormal glucose regulation in pregnancy.

Add to  

The Gestational Glucose Screen, 50g, 140 Cutoff evaluates blood glucose one hour after a 50-gram glucose drink to screen for gestational diabetes risk. The 140 mg/dL threshold identifies women who may need follow-up testing with an oral glucose tolerance test. This screening tool provides insight into maternal carbohydrate metabolism, insulin function, and potential pregnancy-related health concerns.

Blood
Blood Draw
Add to  

The Glucose Plasma Test measures the amount of glucose in the blood to assess how the body regulates sugar. Abnormal results may indicate diabetes, prediabetes, hypoglycemia, or other metabolic disorders. Doctors order this test for patients with symptoms like fatigue, excessive thirst, or frequent urination. It is also commonly used for routine health screening, monitoring diabetes treatment, and guiding lifestyle or medication adjustments.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: FPG Test, Fasting Plasma Glucose Test, Fasting Blood Sugar Test
Add to  

The Glucose Random Test evaluates glucose levels in the blood without requiring fasting, making it useful for detecting abnormal sugar regulation. Elevated or low results may suggest diabetes, prediabetes, or hypoglycemia. This test supports assessment of metabolic function, carbohydrate processing, and systemic health, offering insight into symptoms like thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained fatigue.

Also Known As: Non-Fasting Glucose Test
Add to  
 The Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase-65 (GAD-65), IA-2, and Insulin Autoantibodies Test is a diagnostic tool employed to assess autoantibodies directed against specific proteins involved in the regulation of insulin production. This test plays a crucial role in the identification and monitoring of autoimmune conditions, particularly Type 1 diabetes, as well as providing insights into the risk of developing diabetes in susceptible individuals.
Blood
Blood Draw
Add to  

The Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase-65 (GAD65) Antibody Test detects antibodies against the GAD65 enzyme, often linked to autoimmune type 1 diabetes and latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). Positive results indicate immune-related damage to insulin-producing beta cells. Doctors use this test to distinguish type 1 from type 2 diabetes, evaluate unexplained hyperglycemia, and assess risk in patients with suspected autoimmune endocrine disorders.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: GAD-65 Test
Add to  
Most Popular

The Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test measures average blood glucose over 2–3 months by detecting sugar attached to hemoglobin in red blood cells. It is used to diagnose diabetes, identify prediabetes, and monitor long-term blood sugar control. Doctors rely on the HbA1c test to evaluate treatment effectiveness, guide adjustments, and assess risk for complications, making it essential for diabetes care and metabolic health screening.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Hemoglobin A1c Test, HbA1c Test, Glycated Hemoglobin Test
Add to  

10 Essential Tests for People with Diabetes You Need to Know

According to research, well over 100 million people in America live with either prediabetes or diabetes.  

Are you one of them? Please note that taking control of your health is vital to ensuring your condition stays in check.  

Unfortunately, it is still too easy to let your busy life keep you from monitoring your body as you should. When you constantly postpone essential health tests and exams, you allow any damaging health problems you might be experiencing to worsen.  

That is where testing for diabetes comes in. 

People who go for routine blood tests to monitor their biomarker levels stand a better chance of avoiding many of the risks and complications associated with the disease.  

Our focus is on the ten critical lab tests that any person with diabetes or prediabetes should undergo and ten additional key tests that anyone with diabetes should regularly take if they want to stay on top of things health-wise.  

If you’d like to learn more, read on! 

The Importance of Diabetes Control  

People who are affected by diabetes understand that you need to keep a close eye on the numbers to treat the condition effectively.  

Diabetes, unlike other diseases, is a condition that requires patients to monitor their internal levels and noting when they fluctuate. As a person with diabetes, you can’t always go by how you feel. Most of the time, lab tests will be needed to understand your current state so you can make healthier decisions.  

You might be wondering why you need to invest the money and take the time to undergo regular testing. Well, the reason is quite simple. Undergoing standard tests can help you identify and prevent health complications and risks that commonly affect people with diabetes before they get out of hand.  

If not properly managed or controlled, the condition could lead to long-lasting high blood sugar. When that happens, your body responds by producing less insulin while trying very hard to process excess glucose in the bloodstream. This, in turn, initiates change at the cellular level and inflammation and makes it harder for the body to create new blood vessels. 

Apart from circulatory issues, other health concerns can arise when a patient fails to monitor and manage their condition, including:  

  • Alzheimer’s disease 
  • Foot infection that requires amputation  
  • Dental problems 
  • Eye/vision problems, including blindness 
  • Hearing impairment 
  • Heart disease (people with diabetes are at a higher risk for suffering stroke and heart attack) 
  • Infections. 
  •  Kidney issues that could ultimately lead to kidney failure 
  • Nerve damage or neuropathy causing pain and tingling in hands and feet 
  • Skin conditions 

As you can see, having your symptoms treated early is the way to go. As a person with diabetes, you are advised not to ignore your signs as they can develop into complicated medical emergencies.  

But with so many tests available today, how does one know which ones are vital for their specific condition? Here is a look at ten tests that can provide you with the answers you need for you to thrive. 

10 Essential Diabetes Tests You Need to Know 

Have you made up your mind to manage your condition from the inside out and take control of your life? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. At Ulta Lab Tests, we make it easy for our clients to find, undergo, and review their laboratory tests in a secure and safe portal without physician involvement or a doctor’s prescription.  

While we encourage you to browse through the many different types of tests we offer, we have cut to the chase and isolated ten of the key tests that provide people with diabetes with the most valuable insights.  

If you have diabetes or are prediabetic, these tests could help you understand your condition and closely monitor it.  

1. Hemoglobin A1c 

A Hemoglobin A1c test, also known as the A1c test, helps people with diabetes monitor their blood glucose levels.  

The ADA (American Diabetes Association) recommends that diabetic people with stable glycemia undergo glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) testing at least twice a year. If your glucose control is terrible, you might have to reschedule the test every quarter.  

2. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel 

The CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel) is one of our most popular tests.  

This is a single test panel that analyzes twenty different biomarkers essential to tracking and treating a large variety of conditions. Categories analyzed by the panel include your endocrine and metabolic health, electrolytes and urinary health, kidney and liver health. The tests include:  

  • Albumin 
  • Albumin/Globulin Ratio 
  • ALT 
  • Alkaline Phosphatase 
  • AST 
  • Bilirubin, Total 
  •  Bun/Creatinine Ratio 
  • Calcium 
  • Carbon Dioxide 
  • Chloride 
  • Creatinine 
  • Egfr African-American 
  • Egfr Non-African-American 
  • Globulin 
  • Glucose
  • Potassium  
  • Protein, Total 
  • Sodium 
  • Urea Nitrogen (BUN) 

3. Glucose 

Virtually all diabetes laboratory tests will include a blood glucose test, which is essential as it helps diagnose most carbohydrate metabolic disorders, such as:  

  • Pancreatic islet cell neoplasm 
  • Idiopathic hypoglycemia 
  • Diabetes mellitus 

Please note that normal blood sugar levels in a healthy individual who’s fasted for about two hours are lower than 100mg/dL. Once you eat, the levels rise to about 140mg/d two hours later.  

Are you worried about your results? If your levels are too high, chances are you are suffering from a condition known as hyperglycemia. If they are too low, you might have hypoglycemia. Whatever the case, it is still advisable that you consult your doctor as soon as possible so they can direct you on what to do next.  

4. Microalbumin, Random Urine with Creatinine test 

This test can help people with diabetes avoid diabetic nephropathy, a common diabetes complication characterized by overt proteinuria or the presence of access amounts of protein in the urine. Before this problem starts, the affected person will typically exhibit higher-than-normal levels of albumin excretion. The good thing about the condition is that if spotted early, its progression can be easily stopped.  

Through the Microalbumin, Random Urine with Creatinine test, patients can quickly identify any tiny or abnormal increases in the amount of excretion produced by the urinary albumin. Moderate increases are known as microalbuminuria and are determined by albumin levels ranging from 30 milligrams to 300 milligrams a day. According to the National Kidney Foundation, anyone over 12 years of age with Type 1 diabetes and any Type 2 diabetes patients below 70 years of age should make sure they undergo this test at least once each year. 

5. Lipid Panel 

The Lipid Panel is an exhaustive laboratory test that identifies six different biomarkers. They include: 

  • Cholesterol/HDL ratio (calculated) 
  • HDL cholesterol 
  •  LDL-cholesterol (calculated) 
  • Non-HDL cholesterol (calculated) 
  • Total cholesterol 
  • Triglycerides 

Since diabetes is a known precursor to cardiovascular disease, diabetes patients must watch their lipid levels. The condition’s lipoprotein pattern is known as atherogenic dyslipidemia or diabetic dyslipidemia. It is characterized by moderately elevated triglyceride levels, small dense LDL particles, and low HDL cholesterol values. 

6. Complete Blood Count (CBC) 

The CBC or Complete Blood Count test is a lab test that all people with diabetes must undergo. The test is quite helpful as it is also used to diagnose other conditions, including:  

  • Anemia 
  • Bleeding disorders 
  • Certain types of cancer 
  • Inflammation 
  • Leukemia 

The test evaluates your platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells. 

7. Insulin 

People with diabetes are always reminded to check their blood glucose levels regularly. To that end, insulin lab tests are generally used to get a more accurate view of a patient’s blood sugar levels. 

If your blood sugar levels are too low, your doctor might recommend that you start taking insulin supplements along with your regular medication. Insulin tests are also often used to:  

  • Identify insulin resistance 
  • Determine what’s causing hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) 
  • Evaluate the production of insulin by beta cells in your pancreas 
  •  Detect and diagnose insulin-producing tumors in the islet cells found in the pancreas 

8. C-Reactive Protein (CRP)  

A CRP or C-Reactive Protein test identifies harmful inflammation that could exacerbate and worsen current diabetes conditions. An increase in C-Reactive Protein levels marks many inflammatory conditions, and they include:   

  • Active arthritis 
  • Bacterial infections 
  • Malignancies  
  • Myocardial infarction 
  • Rheumatic fever 

9. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test  

This test is used to provide a diagnosis of diabetes in non-pregnant adults and children. Before taking a specimen, lab technicians require adult patients to fast overnight and only ingest 75 grams of glucose before the test. On the other hand, children are required to consume 1.75 grams per kilogram of their body weight. 

10. Insulin Response to Glucose  

If your doctor suspects that you are suffering from insulin resistance and hypoglycemia, they might suggest that you have an insulin response to glucose test performed. 

Just like with oral glucose tolerance tests, you will be required to fast overnight.

After you’ve provided your post-fasting specimen, you will then be required to ingest an oral glucose solution that’s equal to 1.75 grams per kilogram of your body weight, with a max dose of 75 grams. You will then provide another specimen that will be used to track your insulin response.  

Ten Tests for Diabetes Management 

Apart from the tests listed above, it would help if you continued going for routine health checks to ensure you take complete control of your symptoms.  

Here is a look at ten tests that you should consider regularly taking to manage your condition effectively. 

1. GlycoMark  

The GlycoMark test is designed to measure 1,5-AG or 1,5 anhydroglucitol levels in your blood.  

1,5-AG is a carbohydrate derived from glucose, and its urinary excretion varies inversely with your body’s mean blood glucose. Low levels of 1,5-AG can be a clinical marker of a condition known as postprandial hyperglycemia. Apart from that, they can also be used to predict prolonged mortality, especially in patients with relatively low levels of HbA1c and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). 

2. Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase-65 Antibody  

This test is sometimes used to diagnose IDDM or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. It is also used to predict the onset of IDDM and to assess a patient’s risk of developing the condition.  

3. Adiponectin  

Studies show that decreased expressions of human adiponectin in serum could signify insulin resistance, and Adiponectin (an anorexigenic peptide) assays quantitatively measure these levels.  

But how do they work? Well, studies suggest that the peptide functions as a potent insulin enhancer. The peptide links adipose tissues in your body to full-body glucose metabolism. The test can help determine where a patient’s levels currently stand.  

4. Proinsulin  

Medically speaking, insulinomas are tumors (often benign) that consist of beta islet cells specializing in secreting insulin only, which could lead to hypoglycemia.  

Our proinsulin tests are designed to help patients detect and monitor the excessive production of hormones that insulinomas catalyze.  

5. C-Peptide  

The C-peptide test is used to measure C-peptide levels in your body. The substance is made in your pancreas together with insulin.  

Why is tracking c-peptide levels important? C-peptide and insulin are both produced by the pancreas simultaneously and in almost similar amounts; that means that a C-peptide test could reveal the amount of insulin your body is producing.  

6. Urinalysis  

Urinalysis tests contain 27 different biomarkers. Lab techs will analyze your urine for these markers, ranging from glucose and bacteria to yeast and proteins.

As a result, urinalysis plays an important role when it comes to general health analysis. A dipstick is used to measure the different chemical constituents found in your urine, measuring how they relate to other states of diseases.  

7. Fructosamine  

Fructosamine is the compound that’s created when protein and glucose combine. The purpose of this test is to measure how much of the compound is present in your blood. People with diabetes who suffer from diabetes mellitus are advised to aim for serum-fructosamine levels similar to those of an ideal hemoglobin A1c level – the normal value typically ranges between 200 and 285 µmol/L. 

8. Apolipoprotein A1 and B 

If you’d like to know how at risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) you are, then an Apolipoprotein A1 and B test are what you need to take. This test can help reveal your triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels.  

Abnormally low APO-A1 levels in your serum are generally associated with increased risks of CAD.  

9. LDL Particle Testing  

This test is also known as the CardioIQ Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility Test.  

What’s the importance of measuring ion mobility?  

There is a direct correlation between a shrinkage in LDL particles and a person’s risk of developing premature heart disease. Ion mobility measures the concentration of each lipoprotein and particle size. These can range from large VLDL to HDL3. 

10. la-2 Antibody 

la-2 antibody tests are generally used to diagnose the following conditions:  

  • Type 1 diabetes 
  • Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) 

Apart from that, it can also be used to determine a patient’s risk of developing IDDM3 and predict the onset of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.  

Diabetes Testing: Stay Ahead  

You have a life ahead of you to live and do not deserve to spend it paying for costly laboratory tests that could empty your wallets and hinder your progress in life.  

When looking for direct and quick access to diabetes testing options, look to Ulta Lab Tests. Our unique three-step process delivers some of the most critical medical answers that you need in just a few days. At Ulta Lab Tests, we offer a selection of over 2000 affordable and highly accurate lab tests and explain each biomarker so that you and your doctor have an easier time understanding the current state of your condition. 

To get started, pick the type of lab test you want, add it to your cart, select the patient service center that’s nearest to you, order the test, and wait for your results to get back for review after you’ve been drawn. Results typically take about 1 to 2 days for most tests once your blood has been drawn. 

No more waiting for appointments or making long trips to different labs. Take back control of your health from diabetes today with Ulta Lab Tests.