Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw
- Fasting: 12 hours required
- Turn-around: 1-2 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Screen for diabetes risk before symptoms appear
- Monitor existing diabetes and treatment effectiveness
- Detect complications early, including kidney and liver problems
- No doctor visit required – order online confidentially
- Fast results delivered securely to your account
- Comprehensive assessment includes metabolic and blood health markers
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults 45+ or those with diabetes risk factors
- People with a family history of diabetes
- Individuals managing existing diabetes or prediabetes
- Anyone experiencing symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue
- Health-conscious consumers wanting preventive screening
- Those monitoring weight loss or lifestyle changes
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No appointment needed, results in 1-2 days
- Visit any location - Fast for 12 hours, then get blood drawn
- Get results - Review your secure results with reference ranges
FAQ
What does this panel test for? Blood sugar levels, long-term glucose control (HbA1c), kidney function, liver health, and complete blood count.
Do I need to fast? Yes, fast for 12 hours before your blood draw. Water is okay.
How accurate are the results? HbA1c and fasting glucose together have 80-92% diagnostic sensitivity for diabetes (ADA Standards 2024).
Can I use this to monitor my diabetes? Yes, this panel tracks key markers diabetics need to monitor regularly.
What if my results are abnormal? Consult your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.
Is this the same as what my doctor would order? Yes, we use the same standardized laboratory methods as healthcare providers.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive panel assesses your diabetes risk, confirms diagnosis, and monitors blood sugar control over time. It measures fasting glucose for immediate blood sugar status and hemoglobin A1c for average glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. The panel also evaluates kidney and liver function, which can be affected by diabetes, plus provides a complete blood count to assess overall health (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Who would benefit from this test?
Anyone with diabetes risk factors should consider this test. Risk factors include being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or being age 45 or older. It's also valuable for people already diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes who need regular monitoring. Health-conscious individuals use it for preventive screening since nearly 1 in 5 people with diabetes are unaware of their condition (CDC 2023).
When should I order this test?
Order if you have diabetes symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained fatigue. Get tested if you have risk factors or for routine annual health checks. People with existing diabetes typically need testing every 3-6 months, while those at risk may test annually or as recommended by their healthcare provider.
How do I interpret the results?
Key markers indicate different levels of diabetes risk and control:
HbA1c Below 5.7%
- What it means: Normal
- Typical action: Continue healthy lifestyle
HbA1c 5.7% - 6.4%
- What it means: Prediabetes
- Typical action: Lifestyle changes, regular monitoring
HbA1c 6.5% or higher
- What it means: Diabetes
- Typical action: Medical treatment, medication management
HbA1c Above 7%
- What it means: Poor diabetes control
- Typical action: Treatment adjustment needed
Fasting glucose levels below 100 mg/dL are normal, while 126 mg/dL or higher typically indicates diabetes.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Fast for at least 12 hours before your blood draw. You may drink water but avoid all food, beverages with calories, and caffeine. Take regular medications unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise. Schedule your appointment for morning hours when possible to make fasting easier.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your health status and risk factors:
- Normal results, no risk factors – Suggested interval: Every 3 years
- Prediabetes or risk factors – Suggested interval: Every 1–2 years
- Newly diagnosed diabetes – Suggested interval: Every 3–6 months
- Well-controlled diabetes – Suggested interval: Every 6 months
- Poorly controlled diabetes – Suggested interval: Every 3 months
Why early detection matters
Over 38 million Americans have diabetes, with Type 2 diabetes comprising about 90% of cases (CDC 2023). Early detection through screening can prevent or delay complications like heart disease, kidney damage, and vision problems. Diagnosing diabetes early can reduce annual healthcare costs by over $2,500 per patient through better management and prevention of complications.
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