Ulta Lab Tests

Blood Sugar Monitoring

Blood sugar monitoring shows how well your body manages glucose over time and day to day. A proactive plan starts with lab tests that capture different time windows—A1c for the past 2–3 months, fructosamine for the past 2–3 weeks, and fasting or post-meal glucose for what’s happening now. These tests help confirm risk, track progress, and guide follow-up with your clinician.
Monitoring can’t diagnose or manage on its own. Results need clinical context, including your history, other labs (like kidney and lipid panels), and, when appropriate, home checks or continuous glucose data. Use labs to build a clear baseline, watch trends, and make timely, informed decisions with your care team.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

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

  • Possible low blood sugar (if treated for diabetes): shakiness, sweating, confusion, headache.

  • Metabolic clues: weight changes, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, family history of diabetes.

  • When to seek urgent care: signs of severe high sugar (vomiting, rapid breathing, fruity breath) or severe low sugar (confusion, loss of consciousness).
    All symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified clinician.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Show short- and long-term glucose control to spot patterns early.

  • Help confirm risk (prediabetes/diabetes) and track response to a care plan.

  • Provide objective trends to guide follow-up timing with your clinician.

What testing cannot do

  • Replace a clinician’s evaluation or serve as a complete diabetes plan.

  • Explain every glucose swing—hydration, illness, medicines, and timing of meals can affect results.

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • A1c (Hemoglobin A1c): average glucose over ~2–3 months. Best for: long-term control. Caveat: may be unreliable with certain anemias, kidney disease, pregnancy, or hemoglobin variants.

  • Fructosamine: average glucose over ~2–3 weeks. Best for: recent changes, pregnancy, or when A1c is unreliable. Caveat: affected by low albumin, thyroid disease, or protein loss.

  • Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG): current glucose after an 8–12-hour fast. Best for: baseline checks and confirmation. Caveat: timing, illness, or stress can skew results.

  • Post-prandial/2-Hour Glucose: response after a meal or glucose load. Best for: spikes after eating. Caveat: must follow timing instructions closely.

  • Random Plasma Glucose: spot check without fasting. Best for: symptomatic evaluation. Caveat: varies with recent food, stress, or illness.

  • Insulin & C-Peptide (context tests): assess insulin production and resistance patterns. Caveat: interpret only with glucose results and clinical context.

Quick Comparison (optional reference table)

  • A1c: 2–3 months | Long-term trend | May be off with anemia/variants

  • Fructosamine: 2–3 weeks | Rapid feedback | Affected by protein status

  • Fasting glucose: Now (fasted) | Baseline/control | Sensitive to timing/illness

  • 2-hr post-meal: Now (after eating) | Detects spikes | Must follow timing exactly

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Choose starting tests: many people begin with A1c + fasting glucose; add fructosamine if you need faster feedback or A1c is unreliable.

  2. Prepare and collect: follow fasting instructions if required; get a standard blood draw at a patient service center.

  3. View results: secure online access; most results post within a few days.

  4. Follow up with your clinician: review patterns, confirm next steps, and decide when to re-test.

  5. Monitor trends: repeat labs at regular intervals as directed to see what’s working.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • Look for trends, not one-off numbers.

  • If labs and symptoms don’t match, repeat testing or use a different marker (e.g., fructosamine when A1c is unreliable).

  • Consider factors that shift results: recent illness, dehydration, steroids, iron status, kidney function, and lab timing.

  • Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Starting point (screening or baseline): A1c + fasting glucose to capture long-term and current status.

  • Closer follow-up or pregnancy/hemoglobin issue: add fructosamine for 2–3-week feedback or when A1c is unreliable.

  • After-meal concerns: add a 2-hour post-meal glucose to check for spikes.

  • Insulin resistance or production questions: consider insulin and C-peptide with glucose, as directed by your clinician.

FAQs

Do I need to fast for every test?
No. A1c and fructosamine don’t require fasting; fasting glucose does.

How often should I check A1c?
Frequency varies. Many people re-test at regular intervals chosen with their clinician.

My A1c seems off—now what?
Ask about fructosamine or confirm with fasting/post-meal glucose, especially if you have anemia or a hemoglobin variant.

Can dehydration or illness change my results?
Yes. Hydration, infections, stress, and medicines can shift glucose—share recent events with your clinician.

What’s the benefit of adding post-meal labs?
They reveal spikes after eating that A1c can miss, helping you and your clinician target next steps.

Internal Links & Cross-References

  • Diabetes Tests Hub

  • Prediabetes & Insulin Resistance

  • A1c Testing

  •  Kidney Health (Microalbumin)

  • Lipid Panel & Heart Risk

  • Metabolic Syndrome

  • Key Lab Tests: A1c • Fasting Plasma Glucose • Fructosamine • 2-Hour Post-Meal Glucose • Random Plasma Glucose • Insulin • C-Peptide • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel • Microalbumin/Creatinine Ratio

References 

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

  2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The A1C Test & Diabetes.

  3. National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program (NGSP). Factors That Interfere With HbA1c Test Results.

  4. International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC). Hemoglobin A1c Standardization Consensus.

  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes—Surveillance and Basics.

  6. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Glucose Testing—Preanalytical Considerations.

Available Tests & Panels

Your blood sugar monitoring menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Start with A1c + fasting glucose, then add fructosamine for short-term changes and post-meal glucose for spikes. Use filters to compare individual markers and bundled panels, and always review results with your clinician.

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The Advanced Blood Sugar Monitoring - Basic panel is designed to provide fundamental insights into an individual's glucose metabolism and overall blood sugar control. This panel includes two essential tests: Glucose and Hemoglobin A1c, making it an invaluable tool for initial diabetes screening and monitoring.
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The Advanced Blood Sugar Monitoring - Basic Plus panel offers a more detailed look into blood sugar regulation and potential autoimmune aspects of diabetes. It includes the 3 Specimens Glucose Tolerance Test, Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase-65 Antibody, Hemoglobin A1c, and 3 Specimens Insulin Response to Glucose, providing a comprehensive evaluation of glucose metabolism and insulin function.
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The Advanced Blood Sugar Monitoring - Advanced panel provides an in-depth analysis of blood sugar regulation, insulin function, and potential autoimmune aspects of diabetes. This comprehensive panel includes Adiponectin, a 4 Specimens Glucose Tolerance Test, Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase-65 Antibody, Hemoglobin A1c, and a 4 Specimens Insulin Response to Glucose test.
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The Advanced Blood Sugar Monitoring - Comprehensive panel is the most extensive assessment in the series, designed to provide a detailed analysis of glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and autoimmune diabetes indicators. It includes Adiponectin, a 5 Specimens Glucose Tolerance Test, Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase-65 Antibody, Hemoglobin A1c, IA-2 Antibody, a 4 Specimens Insulin Response to Glucose, and Proinsulin tests.
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The Cardio IQ™ Insulin Resistance Panel with Score Test measures markers of insulin resistance to evaluate glucose control, lipid metabolism, and cardiometabolic health. The score offers insight into type 2 diabetes risk, cardiovascular disease, and endocrine balance. This test supports monitoring of metabolic function, energy regulation, and systemic conditions tied to insulin resistance.

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The Cardio IQ™ Diabetes and ASCVD Risk Panel with Scores measures advanced cardiovascular and metabolic markers to evaluate risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. This panel includes lipid analysis, glucose-related biomarkers, and inflammation indicators, helping assess cardiometabolic health. Results provide clinicians with detailed scoring to identify patterns that may influence prevention and long-term disease management.

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The Cardio IQ™ Diabetes Risk Panel with Score combines advanced biomarker analysis to evaluate insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, and glycemic control. This panel generates a diabetes risk score that helps identify individuals at increased risk for type 2 diabetes and related cardiometabolic complications. It provides insight into metabolic health, supporting early intervention, lifestyle planning, and long-term disease management.

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The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Test measures 21 markers to assess metabolic health, liver and kidney function, and electrolyte balance. It includes glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, total protein, bilirubin, ALP, AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine, BUN/creatinine ratio, and eGFR. The CMP helps detect diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and supports routine screening and chronic condition monitoring.

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Also Known As: CMP Test, Chemistry Panel Test, Chem Test, Chem 21 Test, Chem 14 Test 
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The Diabetes Risk Panel with Score combines multiple biomarkers to assess risk of developing type 2 diabetes and related metabolic conditions. By evaluating glucose control, insulin resistance, lipid levels, and inflammation markers, this panel provides a personalized score that reflects overall metabolic health. Clinicians use it to help identify individuals at increased risk, support early intervention, and monitor long-term health.

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The Urinalysis Complete Test evaluates urine for physical, chemical, and microscopic properties to assess kidney health, urinary tract infections, diabetes, and metabolic disorders. It measures appearance, concentration, pH, protein, glucose, ketones, blood, bilirubin, nitrites, leukocyte esterase, and microscopic cells or crystals. Doctors use this test in routine exams, to diagnose urinary symptoms, and to monitor chronic kidney or metabolic disease.

Urine
Urine Collection
Also Known As: Urine Analysis Test, UA Test, Complete Urinalysis Test
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The Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test measures the average blood glucose level over the past two to three months. It provides valuable information about long-term blood sugar control in individuals with diabetes.

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Also Known As: A1c Test, HbA1c Test, Glycated Hemoglobin Test
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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.

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Also Known As: A1c Test, HbA1c Test, Glycated Hemoglobin Test
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 The Hemoglobin A1c and Glucose panel is a combination of two essential blood tests that provide valuable information about an individual's blood sugar levels over both short and extended periods. This panel helps healthcare professionals assess how well a person's blood sugar is being managed and can indicate the risk or presence of diabetes.
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The Hemoglobin A1c with eAG Test measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months and provides an estimated average glucose (eAG) value for easier understanding. It is widely used to screen, diagnose, and monitor diabetes and prediabetes. Doctors use this test to evaluate long-term glucose control, adjust treatment, and reduce the risk of complications such as neuropathy, kidney disease, and heart problems linked to poor blood sugar management.

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Also Known As: A1c with eAG Test, HbA1c with eAG Test, Glycated Hemoglobin with estimated Average Glucose Test
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The Proinsulin Test evaluates the concentration of proinsulin in blood to assess pancreatic function and glucose metabolism. Abnormal results may suggest beta-cell dysfunction, insulin resistance, or progression toward type 2 diabetes. This test provides insight into endocrine health, metabolic balance, and systemic conditions tied to abnormal hormone regulation and impaired glucose control.

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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.

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Also Known As: Fasting Glucose Test, Fasting Blood Sugar Test
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The Adiponectin Test measures adiponectin, a hormone made by fat cells that helps regulate glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown. Low adiponectin is linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Doctors use this test to evaluate metabolic health, assess risk for diabetes or heart disease, and monitor patients with weight-related or endocrine disorders. Results help guide prevention and treatment strategies.

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Also Known As: Fat Metabolism Test
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The Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) Test measures eight markers, including glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide, BUN, and creatinine, to evaluate kidney function, blood sugar, and electrolyte balance. Doctors use this panel to detect diabetes, dehydration, and kidney disease, or to monitor treatment. It is commonly ordered in routine exams, emergency care, or pre-surgical testing to assess overall metabolic and organ health.

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Also Known As: BMP Test, Chemistry Panel, Chemistry Screen, Chem 7, Chem 11, SMA 7, SMAC7, Basic Metabolic Test, Chem Test, Chem Panel Test 
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The Basic Metabolic Panel Plasma Test measures key blood chemistries including glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine. These markers provide insight into kidney function, electrolyte balance, and metabolic health. Clinicians often use the results to assess conditions such as dehydration, renal disease, or metabolic disorders and to monitor overall systemic health.

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The Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Test measures levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate, the primary ketone body in the blood, to assess ketosis and detect ketoacidosis. Elevated BHB is commonly associated with diabetic ketoacidosis, prolonged fasting, alcohol-related ketosis, or metabolic disorders. This test helps monitor ketone production, evaluate metabolic health, and distinguish between nutritional ketosis and pathological states.

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Also Known As: BHB Test
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The C-Peptide Test measures C-peptide levels in blood to assess insulin production and pancreatic function. Low levels may indicate type 1 diabetes or reduced insulin production, while high levels may suggest type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, or insulinoma. Doctors use this test to differentiate diabetes types, monitor treatment, and evaluate unexplained hypoglycemia. It provides key insight into endocrine, pancreatic, and metabolic health.

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Also Known As: Connecting Peptide Insulin Test, Proinsulin C-Peptide Test
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The C-Peptide Response to Glucose Test with 2 specimens evaluates pancreatic beta cell activity and insulin secretion during glucose intake. By measuring changes in C-peptide levels at two time points, it helps assess insulin production, glucose regulation, and potential insulin resistance or diabetes-related disorders. This test offers insight into metabolic health and endocrine function.

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The C-Peptide Response to Glucose Test with 3 specimens measures pancreatic beta cell function and insulin secretion at multiple time points. Tracking C-peptide levels across three collections provides insight into insulin production, glucose regulation, and metabolic health, supporting evaluation of diabetes risk, hypoglycemia, and overall endocrine function.

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A Guide to Blood Sugar Monitoring

Did you know that 34.2 million people in America Blood have diabetes? If you are one of these people, blood sugar monitoring is essential to monitoring your diabetes. 

Keep reading to learn more about blood sugar monitoring, different glucose blood tests, and diabetes. 

What is Diabetes?

The health condition of diabetes affects how well your body turns sugar, or glucose, into energy.

Normally, when you consume food, your body produces insulin that allows your body to use blood sugar for energy. However, having diabetes means that your body is either unable to use insulin or does not produce enough of it.

What Is Blood Sugar Monitoring?

Blood sugar monitoring is a way to help manage your diabetes. You can track your treatment progress and see what changes need to be made. 

Through monitoring, you can track your blood sugar, see how different medications affect your blood sugar levels, and see the effects of exercise and diet changes. 

There are different ways to monitor your blood sugar.

Common ways include testing through a blood sugar meter that reads your results instantly, through a continuous blood glucose monitor, and through lab tests collected by professionals. 

Using a blood sugar test shows your blood sugar range. For adults who do not have diabetes, a normal blood sugar range while fasting is 77-99mg/dL, and for people who do have diabetes, a normal blood sugar range while fasting is 80-130mg/dL.

Risk Factors of Not Monitoring Your Blood Sugar

Monitoring your blood sugar through blood sugar testing helps you control and manage your diabetes. If left unmonitored and uncontrolled, your blood sugar can drop suddenly.

This is known as hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar can make you faint, have seizures, or even go into a coma. 

Diabetes that is not managed can also cause eye problems such as the following:

  • cataracts
  • macular edema
  • glaucoma
  • diabetic retinopathy

High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is also a risk of unmonitored and unregulated blood sugar. Symptoms of high blood sugar include increased thirst and frequent urination. 

High blood sugar can result in a condition called ketoacidosis, which is when your body is unable to use sugar to fuel your body because it does not have enough insulin. 

Neuropathy is another risk associated with high blood sugar. Neuropathy is nerve damage that can cause numbness, tingling sensation, burning sensation, and pain. 

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Low and High Blood Sugar?

The signs and symptoms of low and high blood sugar vary from case to case. Some common signs and symptoms of low blood sugar include:

  • feeling tired and weak
  • dizziness
  • sweating
  • anxiety
  • shaking
  • increased heart rate
  • irritability
  • extreme feeling of hunger

Common signs and symptoms of high blood sugar include:

  • nausea
  • extreme feeling of hunger
  • extreme feeling of thirst
  • blurry vision
  • drowsiness
  • increase in urination

If you experience high or low blood sugar symptoms, you need to test your blood sugar.


Being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of high and low blood sugar can help you make corrections to your treatment to avoid serious complications.

How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?

Diabetes is diagnosed by checking your blood sugar levels through a blood test. The glucose blood test will indicate if your blood sugar readings are abnormal. 

There are certain percentages of the population that are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with diabetes.

People who have a family history of diabetes, are inactive or overweight, or have high blood sugar are more likely to have diabetes. 

The Lab Tests to Screen, Diagnose, and Monitor Blood Sugar

Ulta Lab Tests offers a variety of lab tests for screening, diagnosing, and monitoring blood sugar levels.

Lab tests that screen for abnormal blood sugar levels include:

Lab tests that are used to diagnose diabetes include:

There are also glucose blood tests that help you monitor your blood sugar. These include:

Once you have chosen what type of test you want to take, simply order it, have your blood drawn at one of our 2100 approved patient service centers across the country, and review your results online.

Frequently Asked Questions About Glucose Blood Tests

Monitoring your blood sugar does not have to be complicated. Here are a few frequently asked questions and their answers.

How Do I Prepare for My Test? 

Typically, the individual tests do not require special preparations. However, you may be required to fast beforehand. You will be notified of any special instructions. 

What Should I Do if I Receive an Abnormal Test Result?

If you receive an abnormal test result, you should discuss the result with a doctor. Although an abnormal result is something you should evaluate further, it does not mean that you have a condition or disorder. 

What Time of Day Should I Test My Blood Sugar?

Your blood sugar normally fluctuates during the day because of a variety of reasons. Good times to test your blood sugar for a more accurate reading are before meals. 

Do I Need to Keep Taking My Medication Before Testing?

Yes, you should always take any medications prescribed by your doctor. However, if there are any special instructions, you will be notified. 

Benefits of Glucose Blood Tests and Blood Sugar Monitoring

There are many benefits of blood sugar testing and monitoring. One of the main benefits is that you take control of your health.

Glucose blood tests can show you if you need to make lifestyle changes or manage your blood sugar through medication.

Another benefit is that blood tests and monitoring offer you peace of mind. You won't have to wonder what your blood sugar levels are, and you won't have to worry about them. 

We at Ulta Lab Tests offer you a way to understand and manage your health in a convenient and affordable way. Ulta Lab Tests offers tests that are highly accurate and reliable so you can make informed decisions about your health.

  • Secure and confidential results
  • No insurance is needed
  • No doctor's referral required
  • Affordable pricing
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

Order your blood sugar monitoring lab tests today and your results will be provided to you securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests.

Take control of your health today with Ulta Lab Tests.