Diabetes is a condition in which sugar (glucose) levels in the body rise abnormally. Proper diagnosis is crucial to initiate timely treatment and avoid complications. People often ask why doctors take blood samples twice to test for diabetes. Let’s find out from an expert why doctors recommend this.
It’s important to confirm whether you have diabetes:
Dr. Himika Chawla, Senior Consultant, Endocrinology and Diabetes Specialist at PSRI Hospital in Delhi, says there’s a scientific reason behind this. When a person’s blood sugar level is high the first time they test, doctors want to ensure that the result isn’t just a fluke. Sometimes, blood sugar can temporarily rise due to stress, fatigue, an infection, or a recent meal. Therefore, retesting the sample is crucial to ensure that the blood sugar level remains consistently high. If the sugar level is high both times, it’s a clear sign of diabetes.
Diabetes is staged to be checked.
Doctors usually recommend a fasting blood sugar test (sugar on an empty stomach), a postprandial test (sugar two hours after eating), or an HbA1c test (average sugar level over three months). These tests measure whether the body is using insulin properly.
The purpose of taking two blood samples is not only to confirm the diagnosis, but also to understand the stage of diabetes—early stage (prediabetes) or full-blown diabetes. This allows the doctor to recommend appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes.
So, don’t be alarmed if your doctor asks you to take two blood samples. This is done for your safety, so that the diagnosis is completely accurate and treatment can be started effectively.
