Where Can You Get Screened?
April 17, 2025
Your doctor can diagnose diabetes or prediabetes using blood tests. The blood tests show if your blood glucose level, also called blood sugar, is higher than the range that is healthy for you. Blood tests can also help identify the type of diabetes you have.
Don’t try to diagnose yourself if you think you might have diabetes. Blood testing equipment that you can buy over the counter, such as a blood glucose meter, cannot diagnose diabetes.
Tests Used to Diagnose Diabetes
Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test
- Measures blood glucose at a single point in time
- Performed in the morning after fasting for at least 8 hours (no food or drink except water)
- Provides reliable results for diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes
A1C Test
- Measures average blood glucose levels over the past 3 months
- Also known as Hemoglobin A1C, HbA1C, Glycated Hemoglobin, or Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test
- Can be done without fasting -- you can eat and drink before the test
- Reported as a percentage (e.g., an A1C of 7% indicates higher-than-normal blood glucose levels)
Random Plasma Glucose (RPG) Test
- Used when diabetes symptoms are present and immediate testing is needed.
- Can be done at any time—no fasting required.
Where to Get A1c Testing
| Name | Location | Phone | Type | Cost | Please Note |
| Family Medical Center of Hastings | 1021 W 14th St, Hastings, NE | (402) 463-2423 | professional A1c test | Openings for new patients can run 2 – 6 weeks out | |
| Hastings Family Care | 715 Kansas Ave, Ste 208, Hastings, NE | (402) 463-2929 | professional A1c test | Openings for new patients can run 2 – 6 weeks out | |
| Hastings Internal Medicine | 2115 N Kansas Ave, Hastings, NE | (402) 463-2454 | professional A1c test | Openings for new patients can run 2 – 6 weeks out | |
| Advanced Family Healthcare | 926 E "E" St, Hastings, NE | (402) 303-8802 | professional A1c test | Openings for new patients can run 2 – 6 weeks out | |
| Innovative Women’s Healthcare | 223 E 14th St, Ste 50, Hastings, NE | (402) 834-3973 | professional A1c test | Openings for new patients can run 2 – 6 weeks out | |
| Heartland Health Center | 223 E 14th St, Ste 2100, Hastings, NE | (402) 519-5517 | professional A1c test | Openings for new patients are available | |
| Pharmacies such as Walmart or CVS | Walmart Supercenter, 3803 Osborne Dr W, Hastings, NE 68901 | (402) 462-6000 | at-home A1c test kit | $50-$100 | blood sample (4-5 droplets) is sent to a lab; results may take up to 4 weeks; look for NGSP-certification and/or FDA or CE mark |
| SHDHD | 606 N Minnesota Ave, Hastings, NE | (402) 462-6211 | rapid A1c test | $12 suggested donation | available if you believe you are at risk for pre-diabetes and have had no previous tests within 6 months |
| Hastings Community Health Fair | Mary Lanning Healthcare Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehab, 715 N Kansas Ave, Ste 100, Hastings, NE | professional A1c test | $15 | pre-registration at Mary Lanning is required; February thru November; cash or check only |
Understanding Test Results
The following table explains the criteria for diagnosing normal blood sugar, prediabetes, and diabetes in non-pregnant individuals. Pregnant individuals may have different cutoffs—ask your doctor for guidance.
Test results for the diagnosis of prediabetes and diabetes
| Diagnosis | A1C | Fasting Plasma Glucose | Oral Glucose Tolerance Test* | Random Plasma Glucose Test‡ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | below 5.7% | 99 mg/dL or below | 139 mg/dL or below | N/A |
| Prediabetes | 5.7% to 6.4% | 100 to 125 mg/dL | 140 to 199 mg/dL | N/A |
| Diabetes | 6.5% or above | 126 mg/dL or above | 200 mg/dL or above | 200 mg/dL or above |
* 2 hours after glucose intake
‡ Used when there are symptoms
Source: American Diabetes Association