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 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
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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.

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Also Known As: GAD-65 Test
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The Hemoglobin A1c with Calculated Mean Plasma Glucose Test measures average blood sugar over 2–3 months and provides an estimated mean plasma glucose (eAG). Elevated A1c may indicate diabetes or poor glucose control, while normal results reflect healthy management. Doctors use this test to diagnose diabetes, assess long-term control, and adjust treatment. Results give valuable insight into glycemic control, reducing risk of complications like kidney, eye, and heart disease.

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Also Known As: A1c Test, HbA1c Test, Glycohemoglobin Test, Glycated Hemoglobin Test, Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test, HbA1c with MPG Test
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The IA-2 Antibody Test measures autoantibodies against the islet antigen-2 protein, associated with pancreatic beta cell destruction in type 1 diabetes. Positive IA-2 antibodies can help identify autoimmune activity before clinical onset, supporting risk assessment, early diagnosis, and monitoring of disease progression in individuals with suspected or confirmed autoimmune diabetes.

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The Insulin Response to Glucose Test, 2 Specimens evaluates insulin secretion by comparing fasting levels with those measured after drinking a glucose solution. This test helps identify impaired insulin sensitivity, abnormal glucose regulation, and early metabolic dysfunction. It provides valuable information on beta-cell function, carbohydrate metabolism, and risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes.

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The Insulin Response to Glucose Test, 3 Specimens evaluates insulin secretion at three time points: fasting and after drinking a glucose solution at set intervals. This approach helps identify abnormal insulin sensitivity, altered beta-cell activity, and impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Results provide essential information about how efficiently the body regulates glucose, supporting early detection of insulin resistance or diabetes risk.

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The Insulin Response to Glucose Test, 4 Specimens evaluates insulin secretion and glucose regulation using fasting and three post-glucose solution samples. This expanded view highlights beta-cell activity, insulin resistance, and abnormal carbohydrate metabolism. Results reveal how efficiently the body processes glucose and help identify metabolic dysfunction, prediabetes, and diabetes-related risks.

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The Insulin Response to Glucose Test, 5 Specimens evaluates insulin secretion at fasting and multiple post-glucose solution intervals. This expanded assessment highlights beta-cell function, insulin sensitivity, and abnormalities in carbohydrate metabolism. Results offer valuable information on how the body clears glucose and help identify insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction, and diabetes-related risks.

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The Insulin Response to Glucose Test, 6 Specimens evaluates insulin secretion and glucose regulation with fasting and five post-glucose solution samples. This comprehensive approach highlights beta-cell activity, insulin resistance, and abnormalities in carbohydrate metabolism. Results show how efficiently the body clears glucose, supporting early detection of metabolic dysfunction, prediabetes, and diabetes risk.

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The Lactic Acid Plasma Test measures lactic acid levels in the blood to help evaluate oxygen delivery, metabolic function, and tissue health. Elevated levels may signal hypoxia, sepsis, shock, heart failure, or severe infection, while mild increases can occur with intense exercise. Doctors use this test to assess critically ill patients, guide urgent treatment, and monitor metabolic or circulatory disorders for timely medical intervention.

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Also Known As: Lactate Test, L-Lactate Test, Lactate Plasma Test, Lactate Blood Test
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The Metabolic Syndrome & Glucose Control Panel evaluates key biomarkers—fasting glucose, insulin, lipids, and related metrics—to assess insulin resistance, glucose dysregulation, and cardiometabolic risk. This integrated panel helps clinicians identify metabolic syndrome early, monitor glycemic control, and guide interventions to reduce progression to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

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The Obstetric Panel is a prenatal blood test panel that screens for conditions affecting pregnancy and maternal health. It typically includes a Complete Blood Count, blood typing with Rh factor, antibody screen, and infectious disease testing such as hepatitis B, syphilis, rubella, and HIV. Doctors use this panel in early pregnancy to evaluate overall health, identify risks, and ensure safe monitoring for both mother and baby.

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The Pancreastatin Test measures blood levels of pancreastatin, a peptide derived from chromogranin A that regulates insulin and metabolism. Elevated levels may be associated with neuroendocrine tumors, impaired glucose tolerance, or metabolic dysfunction. This test aids in evaluating hormone secretion, monitoring tumor activity, and assessing metabolic disturbances linked to pancreatic and gastrointestinal disorders.

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The Renal Function Panel Test measures blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide, calcium, phosphorus, albumin, and glucose to evaluate kidney health. Abnormal results may indicate kidney disease, dehydration, or metabolic imbalance. Doctors use this panel to monitor chronic kidney disease (CKD), assess electrolyte balance, and guide treatment decisions. It provides vital insight into renal function and overall metabolic health.

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Also Known As: Kidney Panel Test, Kidney Function Panel Test
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The 1,5-Anhydroglucitol Intermediate Glycemic Control Test measures short- to mid-term blood sugar stability, offering an advanced indicator of daily glucose control and metabolic health. It bridges the gap between fasting glucose and HbA1c results, helping identify hidden glucose spikes that affect insulin function, diabetes management, and long-term health outcomes.

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Also Known As: 1,5-AG Test
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 A Urinalysis Screen test is a common diagnostic tool used in healthcare to assess and monitor various disorders by analyzing a patient's urine. This test encompasses a range of examinations including physical, chemical, and microscopic aspects of urine. It's a non-invasive, quick, and often revealing test that can provide significant insights into a person's health.
Urine
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Blood, Urine, Varied
Blood Draw, Phlebotomist, Urine Collection
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The Basic GLP-1 Blood Test Panel provides a comprehensive baseline for metabolic health by evaluating glucose control, insulin levels, lipids, thyroid function, organ health, and blood cell markers. Designed to support GLP-1–related monitoring and preventive care, this panel delivers clinically relevant insights that help patients and healthcare providers understand metabolic trends, assess risk, and track changes over time.

Blood, Serum
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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.