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Glucose Test Codes and Their Interpretations
By Blazma
Have you received your glucose test results but can't understand them? Continue reading this article to learn about the codes used in glucose tests and their meanings, along with the normal values, so you can interpret your results until your doctor's appointment.
Glucose Test Codes and Their Interpretations
There are various types of glucose tests ordered by doctors to diagnose type 1 or type 2 or gestational diabetes, or to help diabetes patients monitor their blood glucose levels. Here are the codes used in glucose tests and their meanings for each type of diabetes:(1)(2)(4)
-
Type 2 Diabetes
Doctors order several tests to diagnose type 2 diabetes. Here are the symbol used in glucose tests and their meanings:
|
Symbol |
Meaning |
|
A1c/HbA1c |
Refers to the glycated hemoglobin test, which measures the average blood glucose level over the past three months. |
|
FPG |
Refers to the fasting plasma glucose test, which measures blood glucose levels after fasting (no food or drink except water) for 8-10 hours. |
|
RPG |
Refers to the random plasma glucose test, which measures blood glucose levels at any given moment without the need for fasting. |
-
Type 1 Diabetes
Diagnosing type 1 diabetes is usually more challenging, but the doctor may order the following tests if type 1 diabetes is suspected:
|
Symbol |
Meaning |
|
OGTT |
Refers to the oral glucose tolerance test, where the person fasts, then drinks a glucose solution, and blood glucose levels are measured every hour for 2-3 hours. |
|
FPG |
Fasting plasma glucose. |
|
HbA1c |
Hemoglobin A1c test or glycated hemoglobin test. |
-
Gestational Diabetes
Doctors use two tests to diagnose gestational diabetes. Here are the symbols used in glucose tests related to it:
|
Symbol |
Meaning |
|
GCT |
Refers to the glucose challenge test, the first test for gestational diabetes, conducted between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. The pregnant woman drinks a glucose solution, and after an hour, a blood sample is taken to measure the glucose level. |
|
OGTT |
Refers to the oral glucose tolerance test. |
Normal Blood Glucose Levels
After understanding the codes used in glucose tests, here are the normal values:(2)(3)
-
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
This test is the most common for diagnosing type 1 and type 2 diabetes and monitoring glucose levels in diabetes patients. It involves drawing blood samples from the patient for analysis, with results typically available within 24 hours.
- The normal range for HbA1c is below 5.7%.
- Higher readings indicate:
-
-
Prediabetes: 5.7% - 6.4%
-
Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
-
You can have the HbA1c test done at Blazma without fasting or any other specific requirements.
-
Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
This test requires fasting for at least 8 hours from food and drink before the test, usually done early in the morning.
- The normal range for fasting glucose is 70 - 100 mg/dL.
- Higher levels indicate:
-
-
Prediabetes: 100 - 125 mg/dL
-
Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher
-
You can have the fasting glucose test done at Blazma.
-
Random Plasma Glucose (RPG)
This test does not require fasting or a specific time for testing. Levels of 200 mg/dL or higher indicate diabetes, especially if the patient experiences frequent urination, excessive thirst, weight loss, and blurred vision.
You can have the random glucose test done at Blazma.
-
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
As previously explained, this test requires fasting, and the blood glucose level should be below 140 mg/dL two hours after drinking the glucose solution. Higher levels indicate:
- Prediabetes: 140 - 199 mg/dL.
- Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher.
-
Glucose Challenge Test (GCT)
A result of 135 mg/dL or higher indicates that the body is not processing glucose normally, which may suggest diabetes.