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At-home diabetes tests allow you to measure your blood sugar levels regularly — an important step in managing the disease. They may also warn if you’re at risk.
Diabetes affects how the body uses glucose, a type of sugar used for energy. Consistent blood sugar monitoring is an essential part of managing this chronic health condition.
If you have diabetes, an at-home diabetes test is an accessible way to monitor glucose levels without frequent in-person appointments. People with a family history of diabetes or who may be experiencing symptoms can also use these tests to help identify any potential issues early on.
It’s important to know that at-home diabetes tests can’t provide a diabetes diagnosis. However, the information they provide can be a valuable starting point for conversations with a healthcare professional about your blood sugar levels and overall health.
Anyone who wants to understand their risk of diabetes may take an at-home diabetes test. Because these kits only require blood from a finger prick, they’re safe for most people to use. You can then use the results to determine whether you need medical guidance.
That said, people living with diabetes should seek their doctor’s advice if they are considering using these tests to replace their routine monitoring or specially ordered tests.
“HbA1C” refers to glycated hemoglobin. This is when blood glucose binds with the hemoglobin (Hb) in red blood cells and forms A1C, which is detectable in the blood for 2 to 3 months.
A1C levels increase in line with blood glucose, meaning high blood glucose equals high HbA1C levels.
Read on to learn how the best at-home diabetes tests can help you monitor your HbA1C levels and your health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes affects over 34 million people living in the United States. An additional 88 million people have prediabetes, which typically occurs before diabetes. In prediabetes, blood sugar levels are elevated, but not to the levels of diabetes.
Diabetes can increase your risk of heart problems, stroke, and nerve damage. If you’re concerned that you’re at risk for diabetes, here are some of the most common causes and symptoms.
Type 1 diabetes
Doctors don’t currently know the primary cause of type 1 diabetes. In some cases, genetics may play a role. Symptoms can include:
extreme hunger
increased thirst
unintentional weight loss
frequent urination
blurry vision
tiredness
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes typically stems from a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors. Being overweight or having obesity can heighten your risk. Additionally, family members may share genes that make them more likely to get type 2 diabetes and be overweight.
Symptoms may include:
increased hunger
increased thirst
increased urination
blurry vision
tiredness
sores that are slow to heal
There are also gender-specific symptoms for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. For people who were assigned male at birth, symptoms may include:
Home diabetes tests usually provide everything you need to test A1C, also called HbA1c. According to the American Diabetes Association, this metric shows your average blood glucose levels over the previous 2 to 3 months, rather than standard glucose testing that only provides a snapshot of that moment.
Because A1C tests provide an overall picture of your blood sugar levels, they’re a good indicator of how your body manages glucose.
At-home diabetes tests allow you to take a blood sample at home and mail it to a laboratory for analysis. After a few days, you’ll receive your results through a phone app, email, or secure web platform. Some tests that you order at home require you to go to a lab for a blood draw.
Companies post results to your online account within 1 to 5 days. If there are any atypical results, you may hear from a healthcare professional affiliated with the test company. But you should follow up with a primary care physician to discuss your next steps.
When you take an at-home diabetes test, the result will be shown in a percentage range. According to the American Diabetes Association:
HbA1c levels under 5.7% are “normal”
5.7% to 6.4% means prediabetes
6.5% or higher indicates diabetes
If you notice anything abnormal in your results, or if you’re not sure how to read them, consult your healthcare professional before taking any next steps. Do not start or stop taking any medications without their advice.
Increased thirst and frequent urination: Excess sugar in the bloodstream can pull fluid from tissues, leading to thirst. As a result, you may drink and urinate more than usual.
Unexplained weight loss: Despite eating more to quench hunger, you may lose weight because your body is unable to use glucose for energy and starts burning fat and muscle instead.
Fatigue: When your cells are deprived of sugar, you may become more tired and irritable.
If you think you might have diabetes, the best approach is to speak with a doctor. They’ll look into common diabetes symptoms like feeling thirstier than usual, needing to pee a lot, losing weight, or having blurry vision.
They can also run blood tests to check your sugar levels and confirm a diagnosis. However, not everyone with diabetes has obvious signs, so getting checked regularly is key, especially if diabetes runs in your family or you have other risk factors.
When used correctly, at-home blood sugar tests are generally accurate. However, to ensure high standards, look for platforms that use CLIA certified labs. It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using the test.
Remember, though, these home tests should complement, not replace, regular checkups with your healthcare professional.
No, you can’t officially diagnose diabetes at home. To confirm whether you have diabetes, you need to see a healthcare professional who can conduct comprehensive tests.
However, if you’re diagnosed with diabetes, at-home blood sugar tests can be useful for monitoring your glucose levels and managing your condition.
They can provide support and insights into your health, but they should be used alongside professional medical advice and diagnosis.
At-home diabetes tests are an affordable and efficient way to screen for the conditions that could lead to diabetes. Using these tests can help you monitor how your body uses glucose and assess your risk of diabetes, especially if it’s common in your family.
Regular testing can help you identify any potential issues early on. You can then follow up with your primary care doctor to discuss the best course of action.
Last medically reviewed on May 29, 2024
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
