Type 2 Diabetes Blood Test

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin and cannot properly regulate blood glucose levels. It is caused by a combination of insulin resistance in muscle, fat, and liver cells, along with progressive failure of pancreatic beta cells to produce adequate insulin. The Hemoglobin A1c test is the most important test for diagnosing and monitoring Type 2 diabetes because it reflects average blood glucose control over the previous 2-3 months.

RECOMMENDED TEST Hemoglobin (Hgb) A1c
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What causes Type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic beta cell dysfunction. When your muscle, fat, and liver cells become resistant to insulin, they cannot effectively absorb glucose from your bloodstream. Your pancreas initially compensates by producing extra insulin, but over time it cannot keep up with the increased demand, leading to elevated blood glucose levels and diabetes.

What is the best test for Type 2 diabetes?

The Hemoglobin A1c test is the most important test for Type 2 diabetes because it measures your average blood glucose control over the previous 2-3 months, providing a comprehensive picture of long-term glucose management. An A1c level of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes. The Fasting Insulin test is also essential because it detects insulin resistance by measuring how much insulin your body produces after an overnight fast. For comprehensive evaluation, the C-Peptide test helps assess your pancreatic function and insulin production capacity, which is valuable for monitoring disease progression and determining appropriate treatment strategies.

When should I get tested for Type 2 diabetes?

You should get tested if you experience increased thirst and frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, constant fatigue, blurred vision, or slow-healing wounds. Testing is also important if you are overweight, have a family history of diabetes, are over 45 years old, lead a sedentary lifestyle, or have been diagnosed with prediabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome. Early detection through blood testing allows for timely intervention to prevent complications and better manage blood sugar levels.

What are the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes symptoms develop gradually and include excessive thirst and hunger, frequent urination especially at night, unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing cuts or bruises, frequent infections particularly of the skin or gums, tingling or numbness in hands or feet, and darkened skin patches in body creases. Many people have Type 2 diabetes for years without knowing it because symptoms can be mild or attributed to aging or stress, which is why blood testing is crucial for diagnosis.
Who is at risk for Type 2 diabetes?
Your risk increases if you are overweight or obese, physically inactive, or over age 45. Family history plays a significant role, especially if a parent or sibling has diabetes. Certain ethnic groups including African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders face higher risk. Other risk factors include having prediabetes, gestational diabetes during pregnancy, polycystic ovary syndrome, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, or a history of heart disease or stroke.
What happens if Type 2 diabetes is left untreated?
Untreated Type 2 diabetes leads to serious complications affecting multiple organ systems. High blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves, causing cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke. You can develop diabetic neuropathy with painful nerve damage in your extremities, diabetic retinopathy leading to vision loss or blindness, and kidney disease progressing to kidney failure requiring dialysis. Other complications include poor wound healing leading to infections and potential amputation, hearing impairment, skin conditions, sleep apnea, and increased risk of Alzheimer disease. Regular blood testing and proper management prevent these life-threatening complications.
Can Type 2 diabetes be diagnosed with a blood test?
Type 2 diabetes is definitively diagnosed through blood tests that measure glucose control and insulin function. The Hemoglobin A1c test showing a level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes, while a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher confirms the diagnosis. A random blood glucose test showing 200 mg/dL or higher with symptoms also indicates diabetes. Additional tests like Fasting Insulin, C-Peptide, and Proinsulin help assess insulin resistance and pancreatic function, providing a complete picture of your metabolic health and guiding treatment decisions.
How is Type 2 diabetes treated?
Type 2 diabetes treatment begins with lifestyle modifications including a balanced diet low in refined carbohydrates and sugars, regular physical activity, and weight loss if needed. Medications such as metformin help improve insulin sensitivity, while other drugs stimulate insulin production or help your kidneys remove excess glucose. Some people require insulin injections as the disease progresses. Regular blood glucose monitoring helps you track your control, and routine A1c testing every 3-6 months ensures your treatment plan is working. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe medications to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and prevent complications.
How can I prevent Type 2 diabetes?
Preventing Type 2 diabetes focuses on maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly. Choose whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting processed foods, sugary beverages, and refined carbohydrates. If you have prediabetes, losing just 5-7% of your body weight significantly reduces your risk of developing diabetes. Quit smoking, manage stress, get adequate sleep, and have regular check-ups with blood testing to monitor your glucose levels and catch any changes early when they are most reversible.
What natural remedies help with Type 2 diabetes?
Natural approaches to support diabetes management include consuming cinnamon which may improve insulin sensitivity, chromium supplements that help regulate blood sugar, and magnesium which many diabetics are deficient in. Apple cider vinegar taken before meals can reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes. Regular consumption of fiber-rich foods slows glucose absorption, while green tea provides antioxidants that support metabolic health. Stress reduction through yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises helps lower cortisol levels that affect blood sugar. These natural remedies complement but do not replace medical treatment, blood testing, and lifestyle modifications prescribed by your healthcare provider.
How’s this work?
Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:
  1. In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
  2. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
  3. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
  4. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
  5. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
  6. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
  7. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.

Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.

Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.
Do you accept health insurance?
Only HSA & FSA is accepted.

Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.

This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
Can I cancel my order?
Yes.

We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).

Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
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Your testosterone levels are slightly below the optimal range. While this is not necessarily cause for concern, it may contribute to occasional fatigue, reduced motivation, or lower muscle mass over time.

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* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.

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Hemoglobin (Hgb) A1c
What's included
Fast & easy, results by email & SMS
No need to visit a doctor
Private & confidential
No insurance needed
Results explained
No extra fees paid at the lab

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