Screening is usually done via a pinprick test, which is a simple office test. Readings that exceed 5.6 mmol/L for fasting or 7.8 mmol/L for random samples should be referred for confirmatory tests. Although the presence of sugar in urine may also be used to detect early signs of diabetes, contamination or improper collection methods can compromise test results. Therefore, the pinprick test offers better consistency as a diabetes screening method.

Confirmatory tests should be conducted at healthcare facilities under the supervision of qualified healthcare personnel. Diabetes can be confirmed with a fasting blood sugar level, HbA1c level, or through an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT).

Fasting Blood Sugar Levels

• • Readings above 7 mmol/L indicate diabetes mellitus.

Random Blood Sugar Levels

• • • Readings above 11.1 mmol/L are considered diabetic.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

• • Involves taking two blood samples:
    1. Fasting sample
    2. Post-meal sample (2 hours after consuming 75g of glucose).
  • Reference targets:
    • 7 mmol/L for fasting
    • 11.1 mmol/L for post-meal

HbA1c Test

• • Reflects average blood sugar levels over the past three months.
  • Useful for monitoring diabetic control, especially if a patient has trouble completing the OGTT.

While readings above 6.3% generally indicate diabetes mellitus, it is inappropriate to use as a diagnostic test in certain conditions affecting hemoglobin levels, such as anemia, pancreatic disorders, chronic kidney diseases, or in adolescents/teenagers.