The preferred screening test for diabetes in nonpregnant adults is measurement of

The preferred screening test for diabetes in nonpregnant adults is measurement of

• A. Fasting plasma glucose
• B. Random plasma glucose
• C. Glycohemoglobin
• D. Depends on the patient factors

Answer: (A)

Screening for diabetes in nonpregnant adults relies on a test that gives a reliable snapshot of glucose metabolism in the fasting state. The fasting plasma glucose fits that need because after an overnight fast it measures baseline glucose production and insulin response without the day’s meals skewing the result. It’s quick, inexpensive, widely available, and has clear, well-established diagnostic thresholds, which makes it practical for large-scale screening and repeat testing when needed. Random plasma glucose varies a lot depending on when the last meal was eaten, so it isn’t as dependable for screening. Glycohemoglobin reflects average glucose over several weeks to months, but it can be affected by factors such as anemia, hemoglobin variants, and conditions altering red cell turnover, which can lead to misleading results in some individuals. The option that depends on patient factors isn’t a single recommended screening test for everyone. For these reasons, fasting plasma glucose is the preferred initial screening test.

Screening for diabetes in nonpregnant adults relies on a test that gives a reliable snapshot of glucose metabolism in the fasting state. The fasting plasma glucose fits that need because after an overnight fast it measures baseline glucose production and insulin response without the day’s meals skewing the result. It’s quick, inexpensive, widely available, and has clear, well-established diagnostic thresholds, which makes it practical for large-scale screening and repeat testing when needed.

Random plasma glucose varies a lot depending on when the last meal was eaten, so it isn’t as dependable for screening. Glycohemoglobin reflects average glucose over several weeks to months, but it can be affected by factors such as anemia, hemoglobin variants, and conditions altering red cell turnover, which can lead to misleading results in some individuals. The option that depends on patient factors isn’t a single recommended screening test for everyone. For these reasons, fasting plasma glucose is the preferred initial screening test.