With over 4.3 million Filipinos diagnosed with diabetes and another 2.8 million living undiagnosed, knowing your blood sugar levels has never been more critical. The good news? Getting tested is more accessible and affordable than you might think. Find out the blood sugar test price in the Philippines, and discover the affordable clinics near you to get tested. Let’s begin!
What is a Glucose Test?
A glucose test or commonly known as blood sugar test is a diagnostic assessment done in testing facilities to determine the number of sugar in your blood. Doctors use this test to diagnose pre-diabetes, diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, etc.
Where to Get a Blood Sugar Test in the Philippines?
Finding a reliable facility for blood glucose testing is easier than ever. Here are your options:
Government Hospitals and Health Centers
If you are looking for an affordable blood testing facility, you can always visit the government hospitals near your area. Public hospitals like Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Philippine General Hospital, and regional medical centers offer the most affordable FBS testing, often below PHP200. Barangay health centers may also provide basic blood sugar screening during community health programs.
Private Diagnostic Laboratories
Chains like Hi-Precision Diagnostics, Healthway, and MedExpress have branches nationwide. These facilities offer comprehensive diabetes packages and typically provide results within the same day or the next morning.
Private Hospitals
Prominent hospitals in the country can also provide quality equipment to diagnose patients properly. With their new technology, patients can experience state of the art health assessments.
How Much Does a Blood Sugar Test Cost in the Philippines?
There are different types of diabetes tests in the Philippines. Each of them requires a different prerequisite, such as fasting time and other preparations. Let’s discuss these glucose tests below!
Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Test
The fasting blood sugar test, also called fasting plasma glucose, is the most basic and widely available diabetes screening test. You’ll need to fast for at least 8-10 hours before a blood sample is taken. no smoking and drinking before
- Public Hospitals: PHP 100 – 180 (Visit your local government hospital for their rate)
- Private Hospitals: PHP 600 – PHP 800 (St. Luke’s Medical Center – PHP 719.00)
- Private Clinics and Lab Facilities: PHP 150 – 350 (Hi-Precision – PHP 150.00)
HbA1c Test (Hemoglobin A1c)
This test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, giving a broader picture of how well your body manages glucose. Unlike FBS, no fasting is required.
- Public hospitals: PHP 475 – 830 (Visit your local government hospital for their rate)
- Private Hospital: PHP 1500 – 2000 (St. Luke’s Medical Center – PHP 2529.00)
- Private Clinics & Lab Facilities: PHP 500 – 1000 (Hi-Precision PHP 500.00)
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
The glucose tolerance test is commonly used to diagnose gestational diabetes in pregnant women and to confirm diabetes when other results are borderline. It involves drinking a sugary solution and having your blood glucose levels measured at intervals. Patients must fast for 8-12 hours. Whole procedure will take around 2-3 hours for complete testing.
- Public Hospital: PHP 500 – 1000 (Visit your local government hospital for their rate)
- Private Hospital: PHP 2000 – 2500 (St. Luke’s Medical Center PHP 2298.00)
- Private Clinics & Lab Facilities: PHP 600 – 800 (Hi-Precision – PHP 645.00)
Random Blood Sugar (RBS) Test
This test can be done at any time without fasting and is useful when diabetes symptoms are present.
- Government hospitals: PHP 100 – 180 (Visit your local government hospital for their rate)
- Private Hospital: PHP 600 – 800 (St. Luke’s Medical Center – PHP 719.00)
- Private Clinics and Lab Facilities: PHP 150 – 350 (Hi-Precision – PHP 150.00)
Note: These are the 2025 blood sugar test price rates. The cost of blood sugar testing varies depending on the type of test, the facility, and your location. Contact your chosen facility to determine the updated price list.
Factors That Affect Blood Sugar Test Prices
Several factors influence how much you’ll pay for diabetes screening:
- Location: Metro Manila and urban areas generally have higher prices compared to provincial laboratories.
- Facility type: Government hospitals and public health centers offer the most affordable rates, while private hospitals and specialty clinics charge premium prices.
- Accreditation: Laboratories with international accreditations may charge more for their quality assurance.
- Package deals: Many facilities offer diabetes panel packages that bundle FBS, HbA1c, lipid profile, and kidney function tests at discounted rates.
If you’re concerned about costs, ask about senior citizen and PWD discounts, which typically offer 20% off laboratory tests. Some HMO plans also cover diabetes screening—check your coverage before your appointment.
Understanding Your Test Results
For fasting blood sugar, here’s what your glucose levels mean:
- Normal: 74-99 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.5 mmol/L)
- Prediabetes: 100-125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L)
- Diabetes: 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests
If your results indicate prediabetes or diabetes, your doctor may recommend follow-up tests or refer you to an endocrinologist for specialized care.
How to Book Blood Sugar Test Near Me
Skip the long queues and book your diabetes screening conveniently through online platforms like NowServing. NowServing is one of the leading healthcare apps in the Philippines that helps people to consult doctors anytime and anywhere.
Here’s how to find glucose test near me and diabetes doctor consultation near me using NowServing:
- Visit the NowServing diabetes screening page
- Choose your doctor from the doctor directory that offers diabetes screening consultation.
- Complete the booking form and select your preferred schedule
- Wait for the doctor to accept your booking
For added convenience, NowServing also offers home testing services where a licensed medical technologist can collect your blood sample at your doorstep. NowServing is partnered with Hi-Precision, so you can get tested for diabetes in the nearest facility around your area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Blood Sugar Tests
How often should I get my blood sugar tested?
The 2021 Philippine Guidelines recommend FBS screening for adults aged 40 and above, or younger adults with risk factors like obesity, family history of diabetes, or high blood pressure. If you’re at risk, annual testing is advisable. Those already diagnosed with diabetes may need more frequent monitoring.
Is the FBS test Philippines covered by PhilHealth?
PhilHealth coverage for diagnostic tests depends on your benefit package. For outpatient procedures, coverage may be limited. Contact your local PhilHealth office or check with your healthcare provider for specific coverage details.
Can I eat before an HbA1c test?
Yes, HbA1c does not require fasting because it measures your average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, not your current blood sugar level.
What’s the difference between FBS and HbA1c?
FBS measures your blood glucose at a single point in time after fasting, while HbA1c provides a broader picture of your blood sugar control over several months. Your doctor may recommend both for a comprehensive assessment.
Can I use an at-home blood sugar test kit instead of visiting a testing facility?
While you can use glucose strips and glucose meters to check your blood sugar level, it is still important to get checked by a diabetes doctor. If you think you have high glucose levels, visit an endocrinologist for a diabetes doctor consultation.
Conclusion
Understanding blood sugar test prices in the Philippines empowers you to make informed decisions about your health. With options and comprehensive packages available at the diagnostic centers, testing becomes accessible regardless of your budget.
Early detection of high blood sugar or prediabetes can prevent serious complications like kidney disease, heart problems, and vision loss. Find out if you have diabetes by booking a diabetes screening on NowServing!
