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Blood Tests
Fasting Plasma Glucose Test
This is a simple test that can be performed after nothing has been taken by mouth except water for at least 8 hours. A single sample of blood is drawn and analyzed.
Casual or Random Plasma Glucose Test
This test is performed regardless of when the individual last ingested food. It is not abnormal to see blood glucose levels between 140 mg/dL and 200mg/dL after having eaten a meal. However, if other symptoms (polydypsia, polyuria, weight loss) are present and blood glucose levels are  200 mg/dL there is little doubt about a diagnosis of diabetes.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
This test measures glucose levels five times in three hours. In diabetics, levels rise higher than normal and do not come back down as fast as seen in a person without the disease. Individuals must fast at least 10 hours but not more that 16 hours prior to taking this test. After the fasting plasma glucose is tested, the individual receives 75 grams of glucose in dissolved in water (100 grams for pregnant women). Blood samples are then taken at 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours and 3 hours to measure glucose levels. This test requires that the individual be in good health and taking no medications that might affect blood glucose levels. (19,21)
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