Blood sugar testing is essential for diagnosing and managing diabetes. The three main tests are Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS), and HbA1c. Each serves a unique purpose in tracking your glucose control.
🔍 Types of Blood Sugar Tests
- Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS): Taken after 8–12 hours of fasting
- Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS): Taken 2 hours after a meal
- HbA1c: Reflects average blood sugar over 2–3 months
✅ Normal Ranges and Interpretation
| Test | Normal Range | Prediabetes | Diabetes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting Blood Sugar | 70–99 mg/dL | 100–125 mg/dL | ≥126 mg/dL |
| Postprandial (PP) | <140 mg/dL | 140–199 mg/dL | ≥200 mg/dL |
| HbA1c | <5.7% | 5.7–6.4% | ≥6.5% |
📈 What Do These Tests Mean?
- FBS: Indicates your baseline blood sugar level in a fasting state. High values suggest insulin resistance or diabetes.
- PPBS: Helps evaluate how your body handles sugar after eating. Spikes indicate poor glucose control.
- HbA1c: Most reliable long-term marker. Reflects average sugar level and is used to monitor diabetic control.
⚠️ When to Test?
- Annual check-up for individuals over 30
- Family history of diabetes
- Frequent urination, fatigue, thirst
- Weight gain or loss with no clear reason
- During pregnancy (Gestational diabetes)
💡 Managing Your Blood Sugar
- Eat a balanced diet with low glycemic index foods
- Exercise regularly – at least 30 mins a day
- Stay hydrated and sleep well
- Monitor blood sugar regularly with glucometer
- Consult your doctor for medication or insulin if needed
💡 Tip: HbA1c is not affected by recent meals, making it a stable and reliable test even if FBS and PPBS fluctuate.
📊 Summary Table
| Parameter | Ideal Range | Diabetic Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting | 70–99 mg/dL | ≥126 mg/dL |
| Post Meal (2 hr) | <140 mg/dL | ≥200 mg/dL |
| HbA1c | <5.7% | ≥6.5% |
🏥 Final Advice
Monitoring blood sugar is not just for diabetics — it’s a powerful tool to assess your metabolic health. Regular testing can help prevent diabetes, reduce complications, and guide healthy lifestyle choices.
