Tests for Blood Sugar (Glucose) and HbA1c

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Measuring blood sugar (glucose) is used to diagnose diabetes. It is also used to monitor glucose control for those people who are already known to have diabetes. If your glucose level remains high then you have diabetes. If the level goes too low then it is called hypoglycaemia. 

Urine (produced by the kidneys) does not normally contain glucose. The kidneys filter our blood, keeping substances the body needs while getting rid of waste products. Your kidneys constantly reabsorb glucose so that it doesn't enter your urine. However, if the glucose level goes above a certain level, the kidneys can't reabsorb all of the glucose. This means that some glucose will 'spill' through the kidneys into the urine.

A simple dipstick test can detect glucose in a sample of urine. In a dipstick test a doctor or nurse uses a special chemical strip which he/she dips into a sample of your urine. Colour changes on the strip show whether there is glucose in the urine sample. If you have glucose in your urine, you are likely to have diabetes.

However, some people have kidneys that are more 'leaky' and glucose may leak into urine with a normal blood level. Therefore, if your urine contains any glucose, you should have a blood test to measure the blood level of glucose to confirm, or rule out, diabetes.

Random blood glucose level

A sample of blood taken at any time can be a useful test if diabetes is suspected. A level of 11.1 mmol/L or more in the blood sample indicates that you have diabetes. A fasting blood glucose test may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Fasting blood glucose level

A glucose level below 11.1 mmol/L on a random blood sample does not rule out diabetes. A blood test taken in the morning before you eat anything is a more accurate test. Do not eat or drink anything except water for 8-10 hours before a fasting blood glucose test. A level of 7.0 mmol/L or more indicates that you have diabetes.

If you have no symptoms of diabetes but the blood test shows a glucose level of 7.0 mmol/L or more then the blood test must be repeated to confirm you have diabetes. If you do have symptoms and the blood test shows a glucose level of 7.0 mmol/L or more then the test does not need to be repeated. See separate leaflet called Type 2 Diabetes for more details.

Oral glucose tolerance test

This test is not now usually used to diagnose diabetes. However, the test may be done if it is thought your body doesn't control glucose levels normally but not badly enough to be called diabetes. This is referred to as pre-diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance). The test may also be used to see whether a women has developed diabetes associated with pregnancy.

For this test, you fast overnight. In the morning you are given a drink which contains 75 g of glucose. A blood sample is taken two hours later. Normally, your body should be able to deal with the glucose and your blood level should not go too high. A glucose level of 11.1 mmol/L or more in the blood sample taken after two hours indicates that you have diabetes. See separate leaflet called Glucose Tolerance Test for more details.

Home monitoring

A drop of blood from a finger prick is placed on a test strip which contains a chemical that reacts with glucose. By using a colour chart or a small glucose meter machine, the blood level of glucose can be measured quickly. Home monitoring is very important for any person with diabetes who needs insulin treatment.

If you have diabetes, your HbA1c level may be done every 2-6 months by your doctor or nurse. This test measures your recent average blood sugar (glucose) level. The test measures a part of the red blood cells. Glucose in the blood attaches to part of the red blood cells. This part can be measured and gives a good indication of your average blood glucose over the previous 2-3 months.

For people with diabetes, treatment aims to lower the HbA1c level to below a target level which is usually agreed between you and your doctor. Ideally, the aim is to maintain your HbA1c to less than 48 mmol/mol (6.5%). However, this may not always be possible to achieve and the target level of HbA1c should be agreed on an individual basis between you and your doctor. (For example, by increasing the dose of medication, improving your diet, etc.)

It is now recommended that HbA1c can also be used as a test to diagnose diabetes. An HbA1c value of 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or above is recommended as the blood level for diagnosing diabetes. People with an HbA1c level of 42−47 mmol/mol (6.0-6.5%) are at increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (see also the separate leaflet called Pre-diabetes (Impaired Glucose Tolerance).

Further help & information

Original Author:
Dr Tim Kenny
Current Version:
Peer Reviewer:
Dr John Cox
Document ID:
4786 (v40)
Last Checked:
Next Review:
The Information Standard - certified member
Now read about Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c)

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