Approximately 34 million Americans have diabetes, according to the 2020 National Diabetes Statistics Report. This represents 10.5% of the population in the U.S. The report found that 7.3 million people in the U.S. did not know they had diabetes. In addition to the 34 million people with diabetes, another 88 million people have prediabetes; this is a condition that often occurs before a person is diagnosed with diabetes. Prediabetes is a condition involving abnormal blood sugar levels (which are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes). The statistics in the National Diabetes Report illustrate how important it is to know the warning signs associated with diabetes and to get tested for the disease. Most people don’t seek medical attention during this prediabetes phase, rather, it’s common to wait until symptoms appear and full-blown diabetes is present.
What is a Diabetes Test?
There is a quick and easy blood glucose test, called the hemoglobin AIC test that is performed in the convenience of your home. The test is also called the HgA1C test. You should consult with your healthcare provider as soon as possible if your blood glucose test results reveal a high HgA1C level.
A quick and painless screening test for diabetes is now more reliable than it was in the past. Here are our top picks for at-home diabetes screening tests. The test costs approximately $46 and only private payments are accepted; insurance billing is not available.
An independent healthcare provider reviews and approves your order (you do not have to see a physician.) Your kit will come with detailed instructions on how to collect a blood sample and return it to the lab for testing. You can read your results online once the test is complete.
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3 Top Rated Home Diabetes Tests
1. Pixel by LabCorp
Pixel is a CAP-accredited and CLIA-certified lab that offers a home diabetes test with competitive pricing, physician-ordered tests and healthcare professionals who review the results.
A healthcare professional will consult with those who receive positive results (to encourage prompt medical intervention).
The cost of the test is approximately $189 and only private pay is accepted; there is no insurance billing.
2. DTI Laboratories
DTI Laboratories provides a fast, efficient, and accurate method of testing for prediabetes, as well as a long history of laboratory and testing services. The lab offers a 24-turnaround time, a 24-hour tech support line and FDA-approved testing recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). One disadvantage of DTI Laboratories testing is that there are no medical professionals available for consultation after a positive test result.
Among the kit’s contents are a positive patient ID, a sample vial that preserves blood samples, and a capillary device to easily collect an accurate sample (only one drop of blood is needed).
The cost is around $51.95, and insurance billing is not provided.
3. Everlywell
Everlywell uses CLIA-certified labs and provides verified results (in 5 to 8 days) by a physician. Everlywell has a website that is easy to understand. The ordering process is simple and there is an educational webpage that provides easy-to-understand information about HgA1C testing.
The cost is $49.
Everlywell accepts Health Savings Account (HAS) payments. Note, Everlywell does not provide at-home tests in some states including New York, New Jersey, or Rhode Island.
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When to See the Doctor
Early detection and intervention of prediabetes may lead to the prevention of diabetic complications. Your healthcare provider should be consulted right away if your HgA1C level is high after your home blood glucose test.
Diabetes symptoms often appear because of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), so people don’t seek medical attention until they have symptoms of diabetes. Common warning signs of diabetes to watch for that require medical attention include increased hunger and thirst, urinating frequently, and fatigue.
