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Fasting BSL Test

Your baseline for metabolic health and diabetes risk

$45
Results in 1-2 business days2,300+ collection centresNo GP referral needed

2 million

Australians may have prediabetes — most are undiagnosed

Source: Diabetes Australia 2023

Why This Test

Prediabetes affects around 2 million Australians — and most don't know they have it. Fasting blood sugar (glucose) measures the amount of glucose in your blood after an overnight fast. It is the standard first-line test for detecting impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes risk. Caught early, elevated fasting glucose is highly modifiable through lifestyle changes.

What This Test Measures

Fasting BSL

Fasting blood sugar (glucose) measures the amount of glucose in your blood after an overnight fast. It is the standard first-line test for detecting impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes risk. Caught early, elevated fasting glucose is highly modifiable through lifestyle changes.

Who May Benefit

  • Family history of type 2 diabetes
  • Overweight or excess abdominal weight
  • Low physical activity levels
  • History of gestational diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Fatigue, increased thirst, or frequent urination
  • Over 40, or over 35 if Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background
Sample Type
Blood (venous)
Fasting
Required (8-12 hours)
Best Time
Fast for at least 8 hours beforehand — water is fine
Results
1-2 business days

Understanding Your Results

Below reference rangeLow fasting glucose may warrant discussion with your healthcare practitioner
Low-normalYour fasting glucose is within range on the lower side — mention to your healthcare practitioner if you have symptoms
OptimalYour fasting glucose is in the ideal range for metabolic health
Above reference rangeResults of 5.5–6.9 mmol/L may indicate impaired fasting glucose; ≥7.0 may suggest further evaluation is warranted — discuss with your healthcare practitioner
Your results come with personalised context and next steps. If anything needs attention, we'll guide you through what it means and suggest discussing with your doctor.

Common Questions

At least 8 hours without food or caloric beverages. Plain water is fine and encouraged. Book a morning appointment to make fasting easier.

No — fasting BSL reflects your glucose level at a single point in time, while HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. Together they provide a more complete metabolic picture.

Yes. Acute illness, significant stress, or certain medications can temporarily elevate blood glucose. If your result is unexpected, your healthcare practitioner may recommend a repeat test.

If your result is normal and you have no risk factors, every 3 years from age 40 is typical. With risk factors (family history, overweight, gestational diabetes history), your healthcare practitioner may recommend more frequent testing.

Related Resources

Important Information

This test provides health information for educational purposes. Results should be discussed with your healthcare practitioner. Not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

NATA-accredited · 2,300+ collection centres

Fasting BSL
$45