Which test is used to assess glucose levels?

The fasting blood glucose test is specifically designed to assess the glucose levels in the blood after a period of fasting, typically for 8 hours or more. This test measures how much glucose is present in the blood at a specific point in time, which helps determine if a person has normal glucose metabolism, prediabetes, or diabetes.

The other tests mentioned serve different purposes. The Hemoglobin A1c test measures average blood glucose levels over the preceding two to three months, providing insight into long-term glucose control. The insulin tolerance test evaluates how well the body responds to insulin but does not measure glucose levels directly. Lastly, the Oral glucose tolerance test assesses the body’s response to glucose by measuring blood glucose levels at intervals after consuming a glucose-rich beverage, making it effective for diagnosing diabetes but not a direct measure of fasting glucose.