Diabetes Test Cost Comparison: A1c, Glucose, Insulin, Diabetes Panel (2026)
Diabetes and prediabetes are screened and monitored using several blood tests: hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and bundled diabetes panels. Each test serves a different purpose, and prices vary significantly across online portals. This page provides honest, side-by-side pricing for all four test types — with all checkout fees surfaced — so you can find the best value for your specific situation.
Key takeaways
- For HbA1c: LabReqs is now the cheapest at $28 — beating HealthLabs and Walk-In Lab (both $29) and Jason Health ($33).
- For fasting glucose: Jason Health ($23, fee-inclusive) is lowest; LabReqs ($27) is second.
- For insulin: LabReqs ($29) now ties HealthLabs and Walk-In Lab for the cheapest at $29.
- For the diabetes panel (A1c + glucose combined): LabReqs at $42.99 is the cheapest available — DirectLabs is next at $59, a $16+ margin.
What each test measures
Diabetes diagnosis and monitoring relies on a handful of complementary blood markers:
- HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) — reflects average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months. Used to diagnose diabetes (≥6.5%) and prediabetes (5.7–6.4%), and to monitor glycemic control in diagnosed patients. Does not require fasting.
- Fasting glucose — measures blood sugar after fasting (typically 8 hours). Used for diabetes diagnosis (≥126 mg/dL fasting) and routine screening. Requires fasting before the draw.
- Fasting insulin — measures insulin levels after fasting. Used to detect insulin resistance before glucose levels become abnormal — an early warning marker for type 2 diabetes risk. Requires fasting.
- Diabetes panel — typically bundles A1c and glucose (and sometimes more). More cost-effective than ordering each separately when you need both markers.
For a fuller explanation of diabetes screening and what these results mean, see the Diabetes Testing hub.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) prices
No fasting required for HbA1c. Sorted cheapest-first by listed price. The underlying test is equivalent across all portals.
| Provider | Listed price | Fees note | Est. total | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LabReqs | $28.00 | None stated | ~$28 | Average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months |
| HealthLabs | $29.00 | None stated | ~$29 | Long-term blood sugar control average over 2–3 months |
| Walk-In Lab | $29.00 | None stated | ~$29 | Average blood glucose levels over the past 2–3 months |
| Jason Health | $33.00 | $18 lab fee included in listed price | ~$33 | Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) to assist with blood glucose control |
| Accesa Labs | $54.00 | None stated | ~$54 | HbA1c level to assess average blood sugar over 2–3 months |
| RequestATest | $59.00 | None stated | ~$59 | A1c level with estimated Average Glucose (eAG) |
Prices from each provider's public website, June 2026. LabReqs at $28 is now the lowest-price option for standalone HbA1c.
Fasting glucose prices
Requires fasting 8+ hours before the blood draw. Sorted cheapest-first by listed price.
| Provider | Listed price | Fees note | Est. total | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Health | $23.00 | $18 lab fee included in listed price | ~$23 | Plasma glucose levels measurement |
| LabReqs | $27.00 | None stated | ~$27 | Blood sugar level after fasting |
| HealthLabs | $28.00 | None stated | ~$28 | Snapshot of current blood sugar levels |
| Accesa Labs | $29.00 | None stated | ~$29 | Glucose blood level (FBS test) |
| RequestATest | $34.00 | None stated | ~$34 | Blood Sugar, Fasting Blood Sugar |
Fasting insulin prices
Fewer portals offer standalone insulin testing. Fasting required. Sorted cheapest-first.
| Provider | Listed price | Fees note | Est. total | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HealthLabs | $29.00 | None stated | ~$29 | Detects early insulin resistance |
| Walk-In Lab | $29.00 | None stated | ~$29 | Insulin levels in the blood after fasting |
| LabReqs | $29.00 | None stated | ~$29 | Amount of insulin in the blood |
| Jason Health | $38.00 | $18 lab fee included in listed price | ~$38 | Diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes and insulin-secreting tumors |
Diabetes panel prices
Diabetes panels bundle multiple markers. These panels are not identical across portals — compare what each covers carefully, not just the price.
| Provider | Listed price | Fees note | Est. total | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LabReqs | $42.99 | None stated | ~$43 | HbA1c and Fasting Glucose |
| DirectLabs | $59.00 | None stated | ~$59 | CMP and HbA1c (broader panel including comprehensive metabolic) |
| RequestATest | $59–$62 | None stated | ~$59–$62 | HbA1c and Glucose (Quest $59, LabCorp $62) |
| Ulta Lab Tests | $62.90 | +$12.95 lab order fee at checkout | ~$75.85 | Baseline blood test including HbA1c and Glucose |
| HealthLabs | $69.00 | None stated | ~$69 | Comprehensive diabetes and metabolic health panel including blood and urine markers |
| Accesa Labs | $74.00 | None stated | ~$74 | Various blood markers related to diabetes screening |
These panels are not identical — compare what each covers, not just the price. LabReqs' $42.99 covers A1c + glucose; HealthLabs' $69 includes additional metabolic and urine markers; DirectLabs' $59 includes a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) plus A1c.
Verdict
- For standalone HbA1c: LabReqs at $28 is now the cheapest option, beating HealthLabs and Walk-In Lab (both $29).
- For A1c + glucose as a bundle: LabReqs at $42.99 is the cheapest diabetes panel covering both markers — DirectLabs ($59) is the next-best for a similar scope, at $16+ more.
- For standalone fasting glucose: Jason Health at $23 (all-in) wins.
Related comparisons
- Diabetes Testing: A1c, Glucose, and Screening Explained
- Heart & Cardiac Blood Test Cost Comparison
- Lipid Panel Cost Comparison
- Lab Tests Without Insurance
- Full provider comparison
Frequently asked questions
How much does an HbA1c test cost without insurance?
HbA1c prices range from $28 to $59 at online portals as of June 2026. LabReqs offers the lowest price at $28 with no stated additional fee. HealthLabs and Walk-In Lab are next at $29 each. Jason Health lists $33 (fee-inclusive).
What is the cheapest diabetes panel?
LabReqs' Diabetes Panel at $42.99 (covering HbA1c and fasting glucose) is the cheapest panel combining both markers as of June 2026. DirectLabs is next at $59, but includes a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) — a broader but different test. Compare what each panel covers before choosing.
Do I need to fast for a diabetes test?
It depends on the test. HbA1c does not require fasting — it measures a 3-month average, not your current blood sugar. Fasting glucose and fasting insulin both require 8–12 hours of fasting before the blood draw. If ordering a panel, check whether any component requires fasting and plan accordingly.
Can I get a diabetes test without a doctor's order?
Yes. All portals in this comparison offer direct-to-consumer ordering. You purchase online, visit a Quest or LabCorp patient service center for a blood draw, and receive results online. See how online lab testing works for the complete process.
Sources
- MedlinePlus — A1C Test — https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/a1c-test/
- MedlinePlus — Blood Glucose Test — https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/blood-glucose-test/
- Provider pricing sourced from each provider's public website, May 2026: HealthLabs, Walk-In Lab, Jason Health, LabReqs, Accesa Labs, RequestATest, DirectLabs, Ulta Lab Tests.