Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition characterized by elevated blood glucose. Laboratory testing helps diagnose diabetes, assess long-term glucose control, detect complications, and monitor treatment.
Diabetes is broadly classified into type 1 (autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells) and type 2 (insulin resistance with relative insulin deficiency), though gestational and other specific types also exist — laboratory testing plays a role across all types.
At National Path Lab (NPL), comprehensive diabetes testing is available, from initial diagnosis through to complication screening and ongoing monitoring.
- Tests available
- 6
- Tests available
- Health package
- 1
- Health package
Tests Available at NPL
GLUCOSE PP; POST PRANDIAL
SAMPLE DAILY BY 7:00 PM REPORT ON SAME DAY
Rs. 50
GLYCOSYLATED HEMOGLOBIN; HBA1C
SAMPLE DAILY BY 7:00 PM REPORT ON SAME DAY
Rs. 1000
GFR (GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE), ESTIMATED
SAMPLE DAILY BY 7:00 PM REPORT ON SAME DAY
Rs. 600
MICROALBUMIN CREATININE RATIO; ACR
SAMPLE DAILY BY 7:00 PM REPORT ON SAME DAY
Rs. 1200
About Diabetes Mellitus
Causes & Risk Factors
Diabetes risk factors differ somewhat by type, though type 2 diabetes (the most common form) is strongly influenced by the following:
• Obesity and excess body weight, particularly abdominal obesity.
• Family history of diabetes.
• Sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity.
• Age — risk increases with age, particularly after 45.
• Previous gestational diabetes.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and certain other metabolic conditions.
• Type 1 diabetes involves autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic cells, with genetic and environmental factors contributing to risk.
Symptoms & When to Test
Diabetes symptoms can develop gradually (type 2) or more rapidly (type 1), and some people have no symptoms at diagnosis.
• Increased thirst and frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds
• Recurrent infections
• Some individuals, particularly with type 2 diabetes, have no symptoms and are identified through routine screening
When Should You Consider Testing?
Testing may be recommended for increased thirst or frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, obesity or metabolic risk factors, family history of diabetes, previous gestational diabetes, high blood glucose on previous testing, or for monitoring established diabetes.
Why Tests Are Combined
HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) both assess glucose status but answer slightly different questions — HbA1c reflects average glucose over the previous 2–3 months, while FPG reflects glucose at a single point in time after fasting; using both together, or OGTT when diagnosis is uncertain, can improve diagnostic confidence in borderline cases.
Beyond diagnosis and monitoring of glucose itself, diabetes is closely linked to cardiovascular and kidney risk, which is why urine ACR (detecting early kidney involvement), creatinine/eGFR (kidney function), and lipid profile (cardiovascular risk) are frequently tested alongside glucose measures in a comprehensive diabetes evaluation.
This combined approach reflects that diabetes management is not just about glucose control in isolation, but about monitoring and preventing the broader complications (kidney, cardiovascular) that diabetes can cause over time.
Tests Available at NPL
Test Code | Test | Clinical Relevance |
H0020 | HbA1c | Reflects average blood glucose over approximately the previous 2–3 months. |
B0038 | Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) | Measures blood glucose after an overnight fast. |
B0075 | Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS) | Measures blood glucose after a meal, commonly used for monitoring glucose control. |
B0099 | Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) | Evaluates how the body processes glucose; used when diagnosis is uncertain or in specific clinical situations. |
B0052 | Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) | Helps detect early diabetic kidney involvement. |
B0035 | Creatinine/eGFR | Evaluates kidney function, important in patients with diabetes. |
B0045 | Lipid Profile | Assesses cardiovascular risk associated with diabetes. |
Preparation requirements vary by specific test — please follow the instructions provided by your doctor or NPL for the tests ordered.
Home Sample Collection
NPL offers convenient home sample collection for Diabetes Mellitus blood tests, so you don't need to visit a lab in person.
→ Book your test online, via the NPL app, or by calling +977 1 5970147 and select a convenient time slot for home sample collection.
→ A certified and experienced NPL phlebotomist visits your home at the scheduled time, following strict hygiene and safety protocols.
→ Your sample is transported under controlled, monitored conditions to NPL's ISO NABL ACCREDITED UNDER ISO15189:2022 laboratory for processing.
→ Your digital report is delivered securely to your phone or email, along with access to download and share it as needed.
When to See a Doctor
• Increased thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained weight loss
• Family history of diabetes with risk factors present
• Previous gestational diabetes — discuss ongoing screening
• Known diabetes with symptoms suggesting poor control or complications
• Blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, or recurrent infections
Medical Disclaimer Laboratory tests support the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes mellitus but should not be interpreted in isolation. Reference ranges and clinical significance may vary according to the laboratory, patient characteristics, and clinical context. Final interpretation should be made by a qualified healthcare professional. |