Which screening test result would be most indicative of diabetes in an overweight adult with recurrent infections?

• A. Fasting blood glucose
• B. Random blood glucose
• C. Serum potassium
• D. Liver enzymes

Answer: (A)

Fasting plasma glucose is the most informative screening measure because it reflects baseline blood sugar without the variability caused by recent meals. In an overweight adult with recurrent infections, this baseline level helps reveal underlying glucose intolerance that might be driving both the infections and long-term risk. A fasting glucose at or above the diagnostic threshold on more than one occasion strongly supports diabetes, whereas a random blood glucose can be raised by recent food intake, stress, or illness and is less reliable for screening. Serum potassium and liver enzymes aren’t diagnostic for diabetes; they may signal other health issues or complications but don’t confirm the condition. So, measuring fasting blood glucose is the best initial screen in this scenario.