Healthcare Services

Diabetes Testing in Houston, TX

Routine diabetes screenings are the best way to identify the condition early enough for effective intervention and management. By monitoring blood sugar levels and conducting diabetes tests, you can take proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle and, if necessary, initiate treatment plans.

Houston residents and St. Hope Healthcare patients with certain risk factors should consider scheduling diabetes screenings during their next primary care visit. Those risk factors include:

• Having close relatives who have been diagnosed with diabetes
• Being a member of certain high-risk racial and ethnic groups (Black, Native American, Asian, Hispanic, Pacific Islanders)
• Having been diagnosed with gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or polycystic ovary syndrome in the past
• Being overweight or obese

Types of Diabetes Tests

Fasting Blood Sugar Diabetes Test

The fasting blood sugar test is one of the common tests administered to determine a person’s blood sugar levels. The test requires overnight fasting—refraining from eating or drinking anything other than water for at least eight hours.

The blood sample is taken in the morning before breakfast. Once the results are available, your doctor will notify you if your numbers indicate prediabetes or diabetes.

Fasting blood sugar levels within the range of 70-99 mg/dL (3.9-5.5 mmol/L) are considered normal, while values consistently above 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) may indicate diabetes.

HbA1c Diabetes Test

The HbA1c test, or A1c test, provides insight into a person's average blood sugar levels over the past 60 to 90 days. It measures the percentage of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, that has glucose molecules attached to it through a process called glycation.

Since red blood cells have a lifespan of about 120 days, this test offers a long-term view of blood sugar control. Higher percentages indicate elevated blood sugar levels, which are often seen in people with diabetes.

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, the A1c test is a crucial tool for managing the disease, as it helps your doctor adjust treatment plans and reduce the risk of complications.

Random Blood Sugar Test

The random blood sugar test is a simple and immediate way to assess a person's blood glucose level at any time, regardless of fasting. It involves drawing a blood sample, typically from a fingertip or arm vein, using a lancet or needle. This sample is then immediately analyzed using a glucose meter or sent to a laboratory for testing.

The test provides a real-time snapshot of the person's blood sugar level in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L).

Results above 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) often indicate diabetes, while levels below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) are considered normal, with values in between suggesting prediabetes.

Glucose Tolerance Test

The glucose tolerance test is frequently used to as a screening test for type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes—a type of diabetes that affects pregnant women.

The test assesses how well the body processes glucose, especially in cases of suspected diabetes or gestational diabetes during pregnancy. It typically involves fasting overnight, followed by the consumption of a glucose solution containing a specific amount of glucose (usually 75 grams). Blood samples are taken at intervals, typically at the fasting baseline and then at one, two and sometimes three hours after drinking the glucose solution.

The results show how the body metabolizes glucose over time. Elevated blood sugar levels at any point during the test may indicate impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes.



Continuous Glucose Monitor

A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is a device frequently used by people diagnosed with diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes, to monitor their blood sugar levels continuously throughout the day and night.

The CGM system includes a tiny sensor inserted under the skin, typically on the abdomen, which measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. It transmits real-time data to a receiver or smartphone, allowing users to track their blood sugar trends, set alerts for highs and lows and make informed decisions about insulin dosing and food choices. Continuous blood sugar monitoring reduces the risk of dangerous fluctuations and enhances diabetes management.

How Often Should I Get Tested for Diabetes?

The recommended frequency of testing for diabetes depends on several different factors, such as your age, weight, family history and whether previous diabetes test results indicated prediabetes.

If you have no known risk factors and no prior diagnosis of prediabetes or diabetes, you should be tested at least every three years. The most common type of glucose test for people with no risk factors or prior diagnosis is the fasting blood sugar test.

Those with risk factors for diabetes, such as a family history of diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure or previous gestational diabetes during pregnancy may benefit from more frequent testing. Annual testing is generally recommended in these cases.

Have you been diagnosed with prediabetes, meaning your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes? Your healthcare provider may recommend annual or semiannual testing to monitor your blood sugar levels and assess your progress.

Have You Been Diagnosed with Diabetes?

If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you will need regular monitoring and testing, typically several times a day, depending on your treatment plan. This includes daily blood glucose checks and periodic tests like HbA1c every three to six months.



Pregnant women who develop gestational diabetes will need frequent monitoring during pregnancy. After delivery, testing may return to standard intervals, but it's crucial to continue monitoring as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Keep Diabetes at Bay with Diabetes Testing from St. Hope Healthcare in Houston

Whether you’re living with diabetes or simply want to monitor your blood sugar, regular testing for diabetes is essential to your health and wellbeing.

At St. Hope Healthcare, we offer a range of diabetes testing services to help you prevent or manage the disease. Whether you’re due for routine screenings, need glucose monitoring or require a personalized diabetes management plan, we're here to support you on your journey to better health.

Schedule your diabetes testing today by calling (713) 778-1300.