Diabetes Diagnostic Criteria (ADA)

Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)

Note:According to ADA Standards of Care, diagnosis requires two abnormal test results from the same sample or in two separate test samples, unless symptomatic with glucose ≥200 mg/dL.

Guidelines & Evidence

Verified

Last Review: 2026

When to Use

When to Assess

Adults with BMI ≥25 kg/m² (≥23 in Asians) and one or more risk factors (first-degree relative, high-risk ethnicity, history of CVD, hypertension, HDL <35 mg/dL, PCOS, physical inactivity).

All patients beginning at age 35, regardless of risk factors.

Women diagnosed with GDM should have lifelong testing at least every 3 years.

Patients with prediabetes should be tested yearly.

Patients with HIV.

How it Works

Diagnostic Thresholds

Parameter	Normal	Prediabetes	Diabetes
Fasting Plasma Glucose	< 100 mg/dL	100 - 125 mg/dL (IFG)	≥ 126 mg/dL
2-h OGTT (75g)	< 140 mg/dL	140 - 199 mg/dL (IGT)	≥ 200 mg/dL
HbA1c	< 5.7%	5.7 - 6.4%	≥ 6.5%
Random Glucose	-	-	≥ 200 mg/dL + symptoms

Last Comprehensive Review: 2026

Recent Journal Updates

British J Clinical PharmacologyJul 17, 2026

Semaglutide vs. liraglutide and incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease: A target trial emulation using real‐world data

Clinical Context

We think this might be relevant to the clinical guidance for Diabetes Diagnostic Criteria (ADA).

PLOS MedicineJul 16, 2026

Correction: Plasma proteomic signatures of early retinal neurodegeneration in diabetes: a multi-cohort study

Clinical Context

We think this might be relevant to the clinical guidance for Diabetes Diagnostic Criteria (ADA).

WHO NewsJul 15, 2026

New WHO guidelines: up to 45% of dementia risk could be prevented or delayed

Clinical Context

We think this might be relevant to the clinical guidance for Diabetes Diagnostic Criteria (ADA).

Diabetes Diagnostic Criteria (ADA)

When to Use

When to Assess

How it Works

Diagnostic Thresholds

Clinical Pearls

Confirmation Rules

The Evidence

Primary Source

2. Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024

Recent Journal Updates

Diabetes Diagnostic Criteria (ADA)

When to Use

When to Assess

How it Works

Diagnostic Thresholds

Clinical Pearls

Confirmation Rules

The Evidence

Primary Source

2. Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024

Recent Journal Updates