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 C-Peptide Response to Glucose Test with 4 specimens measures pancreatic beta cell activity and insulin secretion across four timed intervals. Tracking C-peptide changes provides insight into glucose regulation, insulin production, and metabolic function, helping evaluate diabetes risk, hypoglycemia, insulin resistance, and overall endocrine health.

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The C-Peptide Response to Glucose Test with 5 specimens measures pancreatic beta cell activity and insulin secretion across five timed intervals. Tracking C-peptide levels over multiple points provides detailed insight into glucose regulation, insulin resistance, hypoglycemia, and diabetes risk, supporting evaluation of metabolic balance and overall endocrine health.

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The C-Peptide Response to Glucose Test with 6 specimens measures pancreatic beta cell activity and insulin secretion at six timed intervals. Tracking C-peptide levels across multiple points provides a detailed profile of insulin production, glucose regulation, and metabolic health, supporting assessment of insulin resistance, hypoglycemia, diabetes risk, and overall endocrine function.

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The C-Peptide Response to Glucose Test with 7 specimens measures pancreatic beta cell activity and insulin secretion across seven timed intervals. Monitoring C-peptide changes over multiple collections provides detailed insight into insulin production, glucose regulation, and metabolic balance, supporting evaluation of diabetes risk, hypoglycemia, insulin resistance, and endocrine system health.

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The C-Peptide Response to Glucose Test with 9 specimens measures pancreatic beta cell activity and insulin secretion across nine timed intervals. Tracking C-peptide patterns provides detailed insight into insulin production, glucose regulation, and metabolic health, supporting the detection of insulin resistance, diabetes risk, hypoglycemia, and overall endocrine function.

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The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) without ALT evaluates overall metabolic and organ health by measuring glucose, calcium, electrolytes, kidney function markers, and key liver enzymes (excluding ALT). Doctors order this test to assess diabetes, dehydration, kidney disease, or liver dysfunction. Results provide critical insight into metabolic balance, electrolyte disorders, and organ performance, helping guide diagnosis, treatment, and long-term health monitoring.

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Also Known As: CMP without ALT
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The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel without CO2 and ALT evaluates glucose, calcium, electrolytes, kidney function markers, and liver-related proteins. This panel helps assess fluid and electrolyte balance, nutritional status, and metabolic activity while monitoring organ health. Excluding CO2 and ALT, it remains a useful tool for identifying imbalances and guiding clinical interpretation of systemic health.

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The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Plasma Test measures 21 markers of kidney, liver, and metabolic health, including electrolytes, glucose, calcium, proteins, and enzymes. Doctors order this test to evaluate conditions like diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disorders or to monitor treatment. Results provide critical insight into organ function, electrolyte balance, and overall metabolic status, guiding diagnosis, management, and preventive health care.

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Also Known As: CMP Plasma Test, Plasma Chem Test
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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.

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Also Known As: Glycated Serum Protein Test, GSP Test
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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.

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Also Known As: Glucose 2 Specimen Test, Glucose 2 Hour Test, 2 Specimen Glucose Test
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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.

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Also Known As: Glucose 3 Specimen Test, Glucose 2 Hour Test, Glucose 1 hour Test, 3 Specimen Glucose Test
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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.

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Also Known As: Glucose 4 Specimen Test, Glucose 3 Hour Test, Glucose 1 and a Half Hour Test, 4 Specimen Glucose Test
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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.

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Also Known As: Glucose 5 Specimen Test, Glucose 4 Hour Test, Glucose 2 hour Test, 5 Specimen Glucose Test
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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.

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Also Known As: Glucose 6 Specimen Test, Glucose 5 Hour Test, Glucose 2 and half hour Test, 6 Specimen Glucose Test
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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.

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Also Known As: Glucose 7 Specimen Test, Glucose 6 Hour Test, Glucose 3 Hour Test, 7 Specimen Glucose Test
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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.

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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.

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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.

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Also Known As: Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Test, G6PD Enzyme Test, G6PD Deficiency Test
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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.

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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.

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 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.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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Also Known As: FPG Test, Fasting Plasma Glucose Test, Fasting Blood Sugar Test
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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.