Name a common test for diagnosing diabetes besides A1C.

The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is a widely used diagnostic tool for diabetes, particularly in situations where the A1C test may not provide a clear picture of glucose metabolism. This test measures how effectively the body processes glucose. During the OGTT, an individual fasts overnight and then drinks a sugary solution, with blood samples taken at intervals to assess how the body responds to that glucose load.

The OGTT is especially useful for diagnosing gestational diabetes and for identifying individuals who may have impaired glucose tolerance, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. This level of detailed measurement of the body's ability to handle glucose can provide valuable insights into diabetes risk and helps guide further treatment options.

In contrast, while the fasting blood sugar test also plays a vital role in diagnosing diabetes, it measures glucose levels after at least an overnight fast and may not capture the dynamic response to glucose intake as effectively as the OGTT. The cholesterol test and complete blood count are important for overall health assessments but do not provide specific information about glucose metabolism or diabetes diagnosis.