# Fasting blood sugar test: what it is, who needs it and what results mean

_Fasting blood sugar test: who needs it, how often, how it is done and what results mean, with Kenya guidance and costs._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/fasting-blood-sugar-test

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> A fasting blood sugar test checks for your blood sugar after at least 8 hours without food. In Kenya it is recommended for adults from 35, or younger with risk factors, every 3 years if normal, every year with prediabetes.

**Fasting blood sugar test at a glance**

| Who needs it | How often | What results mean | Cost |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Adults from 35, or younger with risk factors. | Every 3 years if normal, every year with prediabetes. | Below 5.6 mmol/L is normal; 5.6 to 6.9 is prediabetes; 7.0 or higher on two tests is diabetes. | Widely available at laboratories; included free in My Wellness Health packages. |

## Fasting blood sugar test: common questions

**Q: What does the Fasting blood sugar test check for?**

A: Your blood sugar after at least 8 hours without food.

**Q: Who should have it?**

A: Adults from 35, or younger with risk factors.

**Q: How often?**

A: Every 3 years if normal, every year with prediabetes.

**Q: How is it done?**

A: A blood sample taken in the morning before eating.

**Q: What do the results mean?**

A: Below 5.6 mmol/L is normal; 5.6 to 6.9 is prediabetes; 7.0 or higher on two tests is diabetes.

**Q: What does it cost?**

A: Widely available at laboratories; included free in My Wellness Health packages.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: My Wellness Health's risk assessment (Hypertension and diabetes assessment, KES 200) looks at your symptoms, history and lifestyle and gives you a personalised risk report with clear next steps. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours to help you book any screening you need at a facility that suits your budget and location. Assessment fees do not include tests or consultations at the facility.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, Protocols for Management of Selected NCDs at Primary Care (2025)](https://health.go.ke/sites/default/files/2025-07/FINAL_NCD%20protocols.pdf)

## Other screening tests

- [Blood pressure check in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/blood-pressure-check)
- [HbA1c test in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/hba1c-test)
- [Home blood pressure monitoring in Kenya | My Wellness Health](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/home-blood-pressure-monitoring)
- [Oral glucose tolerance test in Kenya | My Wellness Health](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/oral-glucose-tolerance-test)
- [Random blood sugar test in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/random-blood-sugar-test)