10 Aug 2026
HbA1c vs Fasting Blood Sugar: Which Test Is Better for Diabetes?
Diagnosis and screening of diabetes are conducted using two types of tests, HbA1c and Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS). While the two tests are similar, as they are both used to check blood glucose, their uses are not the same. The HbA1c test gives an average level of blood sugar for the past two to three months, hence useful in monitoring blood glucose control over the period. On the other hand, the fasting blood sugar test is used to measure blood glucose at a particular time after an overnight fast to measure current glucose levels and diagnose diabetes.
The understanding of the difference between these tests will be beneficial in knowing when they are performed, their meaning, and why both tests can be used together for better evaluation of your glucose levels. It is important to be aware of early detection and monitoring of diabetes to prevent complications. If you are obese, have a family history of diabetes, or experience symptoms like excessive thirst and fatigue, seeking help from an internal medicine doctor would be beneficial.
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