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Diabetes Test Singapore

Diabetes testing involves blood tests that measure glucose levels to diagnose diabetes or monitor blood sugar control in people with the condition. These tests help identify whether your body is properly processing sugar from food or if your blood glucose levels are higher than normal ranges. The primary goal is to detect diabetes early, prevent complications, and guide treatment decisions for better long-term health outcomes.

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Dr Adrian Mondry
Physician (FRG) | MD (HHU Düsseldorf) | MRCP (London) | IM Specialist (ÄKNo) | Hypertensiologist (DHL)
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Indications Benefits Types Preparation Results FAQ
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Indications
Benefits
Types
Preparation
Results
FAQ

Who Should Take a Diabetes Test?

Your doctor may recommend diabetes testing in several situations to assess your blood sugar levels and overall metabolic health.

  • Routine screening for adults over 35

    Regular testing helps identify diabetes before symptoms appear, particularly if you have risk factors such as family history or being overweight.

  • Symptoms suggesting high blood sugar

    Testing is recommended if you experience increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, or persistent fatigue that may indicate diabetes.

  • Family history of diabetes

    People with parents or siblings who have diabetes benefit from earlier and more frequent testing to detect the condition promptly.

  • Pregnancy screening

    Expectant mothers undergo testing between 24-28 weeks to check for gestational diabetes, which can affect both mother and baby.

  • High blood pressure or cholesterol

    These conditions often occur alongside diabetes, making testing worthwhile for comprehensive heart health assessment.

Benefits of Diabetes Test

Diabetes testing provides valuable information that helps protect your health and guides medical decisions.

  • Early detection of diabetes or prediabetes

    Testing helps identify elevated blood sugar levels before symptoms appear, allowing for timely treatment and lifestyle adjustments.

  • Informed treatment planning

    Accurate test results guide personalised decisions on medication, nutrition, physical activity, and follow-up care.

  • Prevention of complications

    Ongoing monitoring helps reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications affecting the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes.

  • Progress tracking

    For patients already diagnosed, testing helps assess how well current treatments are working and whether adjustments are needed.

Types of Diabetes Tests

Several different blood tests are available to diagnose and monitor diabetes, each serving specific purposes in patient care.

Fasting blood glucose test

This measures blood sugar after you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, providing a baseline reading of how your body manages glucose without food intake.

Random blood glucose test

Blood sugar is checked at any time of day regardless of when you last ate, useful for diagnosing diabetes when symptoms are present.

Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)

You drink a glucose solution and blood is tested at intervals to see how your body processes sugar over time. This test is particularly useful for diagnosing gestational diabetes and borderline cases.

HbA1c test

This measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months by checking glucose attached to red blood cells. It provides a comprehensive picture of blood sugar control rather than a single moment in time.

C-peptide test

This measures how much insulin your pancreas produces naturally and helps distinguish between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes for appropriate treatment planning.

How Do I Prepare Myself for Diabetes Testing?

Preparation steps vary based on the type of test your doctor recommends:

Fasting Blood Glucose Test Do not eat or drink anything except water for at least 8 hours before the test. This helps provide an accurate baseline measurement of your blood sugar without food influence.
Random Blood Glucose Test No preparation is needed. This test can be done at any time of day, regardless of when you last ate.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before arriving at the clinic. After your initial blood draw, you’ll drink a glucose solution, and additional blood samples will be taken over a few hours.
HbA1c Test No fasting is required. You may eat and take medications as usual before the test.
C-Peptide Test Some C-peptide tests require fasting, depending on whether it’s done alongside glucose testing. Your doctor will advise you in advance.

Are you experiencing symptoms like fatigue, increased thirst, or frequent urination?

Consult our accredited specialist for comprehensive diabetes testing today.

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Results Review and Follow-Up

Once your diabetes test results are available, your specialist will review them in detail, assess your blood sugar control, and determine whether further evaluation or immediate treatment is needed. If abnormalities are detected, you may be advised to begin lifestyle changes, start medication, or undergo additional tests.

Follow-up is essential for tracking progress, adjusting care plans, and preventing long-term complications. Your internal medicine and hypertension specialist will schedule regular reviews to monitor treatment effectiveness and support ongoing metabolic health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I drive myself home after the test?

Yes, you can drive normally after diabetes blood testing unless you feel lightheaded, which occasionally happens after fasting tests.

What happens if I accidentally eat before a fasting test?

You should inform the clinic immediately as eating before a fasting test can affect results, and you may need to reschedule your appointment.

Should I continue my blood pressure medications before testing?

Yes, continue all medications as prescribed unless your Internal Medicine and Hypertension Specialist provides different instructions when scheduling your test.

What if my results show diabetes but I have no symptoms?

Many people with early diabetes have no symptoms, which is why testing is valuable for detecting the condition before complications develop.

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Dr Adrian Mondry

Physician (FRG)|MD (HHU Düsseldorf)|Specialist for Internal Medicine (ÄKNo)|Hypertensiologist (DHL)|MRCP (London)

Dr. Mondry has over 30 years of experience as an internal medicine & hypertension specialist.

  • Previously a Senior Consultant in the Department of Medicine at the National University Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, where he is currently a visiting consultant.

  • Hypertension Specialist accredited by the German Hypertension League (DHL)

  • Contributed to the latest Singapore ACE Clinical Guidance on “Hypertension – Tailoring the Management Plan to Optimise Blood Pressure Control” as a committee member.

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    our Clinic location

    Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital Specialist Centre

    38 Irrawaddy Road, #11-57 Singapore 329563

    Monday: 9:30am – 5:30pm
    Tuesday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
    Wed to Fri: 9:30am – 5:30pm
    Sat to Sunday & PH: Appointment Only
    +65‎ 6012‎ 9957