Can Diabetes Be Missed In A Blood Test
Posted on July 25, 2025 written by Jane Paulson in Medical Malpractice
A misdiagnosis of diabetes can be life-altering. Can diabetes be missed in a blood test? Yes, diabetes can be missed on a blood test, especially early on or in specific individuals. While blood tests like the A1C and glucose tests are widely used for diagnosis, they may not always be accurate, especially in the early stages of the disease or if certain factors influence the test results.
This can be deeply concerning, especially for individuals living in Portland who rely on accurate diagnoses to manage their health. At Paulson Coletti, we’ve worked with clients who have faced the devastating consequences of a misdiagnosed or delayed diabetes diagnosis. If you or a loved one has been affected, our Portland medical malpractice lawyer team is here to help you pursue justice and the compensation you deserve.
Call Us (503) 226-6361 Types Of Diabetes
The Mayo Clinic outlines that chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Forms that may be reversible, such as prediabetes and gestational diabetes, can still carry serious health implications. Prediabetes happens when blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough to qualify as diabetes. Without intervention, it can develop into type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes appears during pregnancy and may resolve after childbirth, though it still requires close monitoring.
Each type of diabetes affects health, lifestyle, and long-term well-being. If a healthcare provider overlooks these conditions or fails to test correctly, the impact on a patient’s life can be significant.
Common Symptoms Of Diabetes
Diabetes symptoms can manifest in different ways, but they often include:
- Urinating often
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling very hungry, even though you are eating
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
- Weight loss, even though you are eating more (type 1)
- Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)
These indicators, listed by the American Diabetes Association, should prompt medical attention. However, if your symptoms are ignored or dismissed, a provider may fail to conduct the necessary diagnostic testing.
What Blood Tests Are Used To Detect Diabetes?
Several lab tests are available to detect diabetes. The most commonly used include:
- A1C Test – Measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months.
- Fasting Blood Sugar Test – Requires fasting and measures current glucose levels.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) – Gauges the body’s reaction to sugar intake over a specific period.
- Random Blood Sugar Test – Measures glucose regardless of last meal timing.
Despite the availability of these tools, improper administration, lack of repeat testing, or failing to account for patient-specific factors can lead to incorrect results.
Can Blood Tests Miss A Diabetes Diagnosis?
Yes, they can. Blood tests aren’t always reliable. We know that it’s possible for diabetes to be missed on a blood test, especially early on or in certain individuals. Factors like illness, medications, anemia, pregnancy, or lab error can affect accuracy.
Tests like the A1C may not show recent spikes in blood sugar, and results can be misleading in some patients. Misdiagnosis is more likely when symptoms are present but test results don’t reflect them.
Why Misdiagnosis Or Delayed Diagnosis Matters
Missed or delayed diabetes diagnoses can lead to serious harm, including nerve damage, vision loss, kidney issues, and heart complications. In Portland, patients depend on timely and accurate care, but mistakes happen even with broad access to medical facilities. When providers overlook clear signs or fail to follow up, patients may suffer costly and preventable physical and financial consequences.
Medical Negligence And Misdiagnosed Diabetes
A medical provider failing to diagnose a condition they reasonably should have identified may constitute negligence. In Oregon, patients have legal protections when providers breach their duty of care.
Medical malpractice related to diabetes can occur when a doctor ignores symptoms consistent with diabetes, conducts improper or insufficient testing, misinterprets or fails to follow up on results, or when communication between providers breaks down.
What To Do If You Suspect A Misdiagnosis
If you’ve been feeling unwell and later learned that your symptoms were related to diabetes, your first step is to gather all medical records. Reviewing lab results, doctor’s notes, and provider communications can reveal whether you were treated appropriately.
We encourage our Portland clients to:
- Document the timeline and nature of their symptoms
- Include details from every medical visit
- Retain copies of all test results
This detailed information can be critical in building a strong and clear legal claim.
Talk To An Experienced Oregon Malpractice Attorney Today
At Paulson Coletti, we believe patients deserve answers when something goes wrong in the exam room or lab. If you suspect a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of diabetes, we’re here to review your case and pursue justice on your behalf.
Call us today at 503-226-6361 to schedule a confidential consultation.
Paulson Coletti
Trial Attorneys PC
At Paulson Coletti, justice is our mission. As experienced trial attorneys, we fight for injury victims across Oregon and Washington, holding negligent parties accountable. With a proven track record in and out of the courtroom, we are dedicated to securing fair compensation for our clients. We take a client-centered approach, focusing on cases we believe in and delivering results that matter. No fees unless we win—because justice should never come with financial risk.