Ulta Lab Tests

Diabetes Health

Diabetes health means understanding how your body handles glucose today and over time—and how diabetes affects your heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes. A proactive plan starts with core lab tests that capture different time windows: A1c (past 2–3 months), fructosamine (past 2–3 weeks), and fasting or post-meal glucose (right now). To round out risk, add kidney and lipid panels. When classification is unclear, insulin, C-peptide, and autoantibodies can help distinguish type 1, type 2, or other forms.

Lab testing can confirm risk, track progress, and guide timely follow-up with your clinician. Labs cannot manage diabetes by themselves or replace a full clinical evaluation. Use results with your medical history, home readings or CGM (if used), and regular visits.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • High blood sugar clues: frequent urination, excessive thirst, blurred vision, fatigue, slow-healing cuts.

  • Low blood sugar (if on glucose-lowering therapy): shakiness, sweating, confusion, headache.

  • Metabolic risk factors: family history, overweight, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, sleep apnea, gestational diabetes history.

  • Complication flags: numbness or tingling in feet, leg cramps at night, swelling, vision changes.

  • When to seek urgent care: vomiting, rapid breathing, fruity breath (possible DKA), severe low sugar with confusion or fainting.
    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 catch patterns early.

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

  • Clarify type using insulin, C-peptide, and diabetes autoantibodies when needed.

  • Build baselines and trends to guide follow-up intervals.

What testing cannot do

  • Replace clinician judgment, lifestyle counseling, or guideline screening for complications (eye and foot exams).

  • Explain every swing in glucose—illness, medicines, hydration, and timing 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 over ~2–3 weeks. Best for: recent changes or when A1c is unreliable. Caveat: affected by low albumin, thyroid disease, or protein loss.

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

  • Post-meal/2-Hour Glucose: Response after eating or a glucose load. Best for: detecting spikes A1c may miss. Caveat: follow timing instructions closely.

  • Random Plasma Glucose: Spot check without fasting. Best for: symptomatic evaluation. Caveat: varies with recent food and stress.

  • Insulin & C-peptide: Endogenous insulin production and resistance context. Best for: classification and resistance patterns. Caveat: interpret only with glucose results.

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

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

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

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Choose starting labs: many begin with A1c + fasting glucose, plus lipid panel, kidney panel, and uACR for risk.

  2. Collect samples: follow fasting instructions if required; complete a standard blood draw and, when ordered, a spot urine sample.

  3. See results online: most post within a few days to your secure account.

  4. Review with your clinician: align lab trends with history, home readings/CGM, and decide on next steps.

  5. Monitor over time: repeat labs at agreed intervals to track progress and adjust follow-up.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • Focus on trends, not single values.

  • If A1c and home readings disagree, repeat testing or add fructosamine and post-meal glucose for context.

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

  • Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Baseline health check: A1c + fasting glucose + lipid panel + kidney panel + uACR to map control and risk.

  • Closer feedback or pregnancy/hemoglobin variant: add fructosamine; pair with post-meal glucose if spikes are suspected.

  • Type unclear or unexpected course: consider insulin, C-peptide, and autoantibodies for classification.

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

FAQs

Do I need to fast for every diabetes test?
No. A1c and fructosamine don’t require fasting; fasting glucose and some lipid panels do.

How often should I check A1c?
Intervals vary. Many people re-test at regularly planned times set with their clinician.

What if my A1c seems off?
Ask about fructosamine and post-meal glucose, especially if you have anemia or a hemoglobin variant.

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

Which labs catch complications early?
uACR and kidney panel screen for kidney damage; the lipid panel informs heart risk. Eye and foot exams are also important.

Do illness or medicines change results?
Yes. Infections, steroids, dehydration, and timing can shift glucose and A1c—share recent events with your clinician.

Internal Links & Cross-References

  • Diabetes Tests Hub

  • Blood Sugar Monitoring

  • Prediabetes & Insulin Resistance

  • A1c Testing

  • Kidney Health (Microalbumin)

  • Lipid Panel & Heart Risk

  • Key Lab Tests: A1c • Fasting Plasma Glucose • Fructosamine • 2-Hour Post-Meal Glucose • Random Glucose • Insulin • C-Peptide • Diabetes Autoantibodies (GAD65, IA-2, ZnT8, ICA) • Creatinine/eGFR • Urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio • Lipid Panel

References

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

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

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

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

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

  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.

  8. Endocrine Society. Diabetes Autoantibodies and C-Peptide—Clinical Use in Classification.

Available Tests & Panels

Your diabetes health test menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Begin with A1c + fasting glucose and kidney/lipid panels for baseline control and risk. Add fructosamine for short-term feedback, post-meal glucose 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.

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The GLP-1 Basic 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.

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What Is Diabetes? Causes / Signs / Screening and Diagnosing

The American Diabetes Association estimates that over 34 million Americans have diabetes. Diabetes can affect all ages, races, and ethnicities, but studies show it is most common in Native Americans and individuals over 45. 

While diabetes can seem scary, there are several ways to manage the disease successfully. Before you can do that, however, you need to get an official diagnosis. 

Ulta Lab Tests offers a number of diabetes blood tests that can be used to diagnose, monitor, and treat diabetes. To learn about which test could be right for you, keep reading. 

What Is Diabetes?

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), diabetes affects how a person's body turns food into energy. Blood sugar and diabetes are directly related. The condition is often chronic and can require medication and other forms of medical intervention. 

Most of the food we eat is broken down into sugar. That sugar, sometimes called glucose, is released into the bloodstream, which triggers the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin is what helps convert blood sugar into energy. 

When someone has diabetes, it means their body doesn't make enough insulin or can't use the insulin it makes. As a result, blood sugar levels in the bloodstream become elevated and cause serious problems like vision loss, kidney disease, and heart disease. 

Risk Factors and Causes of Diabetes 

The most common risk factors associated with diabetes include family history and being overweight. 

The risk factors and causes of diabetes are often related to the type of diabetes a person is diagnosed with. There are three types: type 1, type 2, and gestational. 

Type 1 diabetes only affects five to ten percent of the people who are diagnosed with diabetes. Doctors believe type 1 is caused by an autoimmune response. Children, teens, and young adults are most often diagnosed with type 1. 

Type 2 diabetes affects 90 to 95 percent of those diagnosed with diabetes. The condition develops over the years and is typically diagnosed in adulthood. However, it can be prevented or delayed with lifestyle changes. 

Gestational diabetes develops in pregnant women who have never had a prior diabetes diagnosis. This type of diabetes typically goes away after a woman gives birth, but the condition can put the baby at a higher risk for health problems. 

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes 

The signs and symptoms of diabetes can mimic other conditions, so you may need to get your blood sugar tested if you are experiencing frequent urination, extreme thirst, unexplained weight loss, blurry vision, or fatigued. Other signs include very dry skin, slow-to-heal sores, and an extreme appetite. 

The symptoms can also vary depending on the type of diabetes you have. Type 1 patients often experience nausea, vomiting, and stomach pains, while type 2 patients often experience varying symptoms over some years. Gestational diabetes does not usually present symptoms. 

Screening, Diagnosing, and Monitoring Diabetes 

At Ulta Lab Tests, we offer a wide range of testing options to help you screen, diagnose, and monitor diabetes. Your doctor may order the following tests: 

  • Glucose. A glucose screening test measures your blood sugar levels at the time you're tested. 
  • Hemoglobin A1c. The A1c test measures your blood sugar levels over two to three months and averages them. 
  • Glucose Tolerance. A glucose tolerance test measures your blood sugar before and after you drink a liquid containing glucose. 
  • Urine Albumin and Creatine. If your doctor tests for urine albumin and creatine, they'll determine if there is an abnormal amount of protein in your urine. 
  • Insulin. An insulin test can determine how your pancreas produces beta cells. 
  • C-Peptide. This test can help your doctor determine the cause of your low blood sugar. 
  • Islet Autoantibodies. This test helps identify type 1 diabetes. 
  • Fructosamine. A fructosamine test monitors your blood sugar levels over time. 
  • eGFR. Also known as a glomerular filtration test, this test checks to see if your kidneys are functioning properly. 
  • Lipid Panel. A lipid panel is used to evaluate your heart health by looking at the cholesterol levels in your blood. 

Once you have a diagnosis, you can order diabetes health lab panels. For example, some of the tests you could order include the following: 

  • DH-4. Diabetes Health - C-Reactive Protein, CBC, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Glucose, Glucose Tolerance Test, Hemoglobin A1c, Insulin, Insulin Response to Glucose, Lipid Panel, Microalbumin 
  • DH-3. Diabetes Health - C-Reactive Protein, CBC, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Glucose, Hemoglobin A1c, Insulin, Lipid Panel, Microalbumin
  • DH-2. Diabetes Health - CBC, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Glucose, Hemoglobin A1c, Lipid Panel, Microalbumin 
  • DH-1. Diabetes Health - Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Glucose, Hemoglobin A1c
  • DH-4. Diabetes Health Plus - Adiponectin, Apolipoprotein A1 B, C-Peptide, Fructosamine, Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase-65 Antibody, GlycoMark, IA-2 Antibody, Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility, Cardio IQ, Proinsulin, Urinalysis 
  • DH-3. Diabetes Health Plus - Adiponectin, C-Peptide, Fructosamine, Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase-65 Antibody, GlycoMark, Proinsulin, Urinalysis 
  • DH-2. Diabetes Health Plus - Adiponectin, Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase-65 Antibody, GlycoMark, Proinsulin 
  • DH-1. Diabetes Health Plus - Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase-65 Antibody, GlycoMark

Once you're aware of the condition you're dealing with, you and your doctor can develop a detailed treatment plan. In many instances, diabetes can be self-managed with medication and diet. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes Blood Tests

If you're having diabetes blood tests drawn, you probably have some questions about the process and the tests. Let's take a look at the most frequently asked questions.

What is the recommended blood sugar range?

The recommended blood glucose range is 80-130 before a meal and less than 180 two hours after a meal. 

Why does blood sugar matter?

It's important to keep your blood sugar under control. When levels stay high for too long, it can cause damage to arteries and veins. That damage could result in a heart attack, stroke, vision problems, or even death. 

What is A1c?

A1c, also called Hemoglobin A1c, is a two to three-month average of your blood sugars. The test indicates your blood sugar levels and can help those with diabetes determine how well they manage their condition. 

Can stress increase blood sugar levels?

Stress, as well as illness, can elevate blood sugar. So if you're feeling particularly stressed and already require insulin when you aren't, you may require more medication during those times. 

When is the best time to test your blood sugar?

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you will likely need to check your blood sugar two to three times a week. If you've been recently diagnosed, monitoring your levels two to four times a day may be necessary. 

Living with diabetes doesn't have to affect the quality of your life if you know how to manage the condition and stay on top of your blood sugar levels. 

Learn More About Lab Testing From Ulta Lab Tests

There are several benefits to ordering diabetes blood tests from Ulta Lab Tests. First and foremost, our tests are highly accurate and reliable. With your secure and confidential results, you'll be able to make informed and proactive decisions about your health. 

It's also important to know that you won't need a physician's referral or health insurance to ordering testing through us. Simply order your lab tests today, and you'll have most test results back within one to two days. 

Take control of your health today by ordering your diabetes tests from Ulta Lab Tests.