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УкраїнськаFasting glucose test 2026: price, procedure and glucose tolerance test
indekscen.pl editorial team · published 30 September 2026 · prices according to the 5 October 2026 index
A fasting glucose test at a private laboratory most often costs PLN 14, typically PLN 14 ‑ 17, and is free with a doctor's referral. The blood draw itself takes a few minutes, and laboratories usually issue the result on the same day. The glucose tolerance test is a separate, longer test costing around PLN 45.
At a glance (as at 5 October 2026)
- A fasting glucose test at a private laboratory usually costs PLN 14 ‑ 17, with a median of PLN 14.
- A glucose tolerance test most often costs PLN 40 ‑ 47 privately because it involves two measurements and around two hours at the blood collection centre.
- An HbA1c glycated haemoglobin test, which shows the average blood sugar level over recent months, usually costs PLN 56 ‑ 65.
- An insulin test, often ordered together with a glucose test, costs around PLN 66 at a laboratory.
- With a referral from a GP, the glucose test and glucose tolerance test are free under the NFZ.
A fasting glucose test is one of the cheapest blood tests available privately, yet many people still overpay by immediately buying a whole package or confusing it with a glucose tolerance test. Below, we compare the prices of blood sugar tests at laboratories, explain how they differ and show you how to prepare so that the blood draw does not need to be repeated.
How much does a fasting glucose test cost?
A private fasting glucose test most often costs PLN 14, and half of the price lists fall within the range of PLN 14 ‑ 17. At the cheapest blood collection centres, you will pay from PLN 12, while the most expensive charge up to PLN 28. This is the median from 3 laboratory price lists collected by indekscen.pl, and details with sources are available at fasting glucose test.
The difference in price mainly depends on the blood collection centre: the same laboratory chain may charge a different price in a large city centre than at a small facility. The price includes the blood draw and glucose measurement. It does not include the glucose tolerance test, which is a separate test.
With a referral from a GP, the glucose test is free under the NFZ. You pay privately when you want the test done quickly, without seeing a doctor, or when you are receiving private medical care.
What is the difference between a glucose test, a glucose tolerance test and HbA1c?
A fasting glucose test is a single measurement of blood sugar taken in the morning, a glucose tolerance test involves at least two measurements over two hours, and HbA1c shows your average blood sugar level over approximately the past three months. Each test answers a slightly different question, so the doctor selects the appropriate one for your circumstances. Here are the prices at laboratories:
| Service | Median | Typically | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting glucose test | PLN 14 | PLN 14 ‑ 17 | 3 |
| Glucose tolerance test | PLN 45 | PLN 40 ‑ 47 | 5 |
| Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test | PLN 61 | PLN 56 ‑ 65 | 4 |
| Insulin level test | PLN 66 | PLN 63 ‑ 69 | 4 |
Median and typical range from public price lists, as at 5 October 2026. Each price includes a source and quotation on the service page.
| Test | What it shows | Time spent at the blood collection centre | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting glucose | blood sugar level at the time of collection | a few minutes | PLN 14 ‑ 17 |
| Glucose tolerance test (OGTT) | how the body responds to a dose of glucose | around 2 hours | PLN 40 ‑ 47 |
| Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) | average blood sugar over recent months | a few minutes, no fasting required | PLN 56 ‑ 65 |
| Insulin | how much insulin the pancreas produces | a few minutes | PLN 63 ‑ 69 |
A glucose tolerance test is several times more expensive than a standard glucose test because it includes two measurements, a glucose solution to drink and the time spent at the blood collection centre. HbA1c costs even more, but does not require fasting, so it can be convenient for monitoring previously diagnosed diabetes.
Are a glucose test and a blood sugar test the same thing?
Yes, a glucose test and a blood sugar test are the same test: in everyday language, “sugar” means glucose. In laboratory price lists, the test is usually listed as “glucose” or “fasting glucose” and costs around PLN 14. If someone offers you a “blood sugar test” at a different price, ask whether they mean a standard glucose test, a glucose tolerance test or HbA1c.
What happens during a fasting glucose test?
A fasting glucose test is a standard blood draw from a vein in the crook of the elbow and takes a few minutes. The steps are simple:
- Come in the morning on an empty stomach. You should usually eat your last meal 8 to 14 hours before the test.
- Drink only water. Coffee, tea, juice, chewing gum and cigarettes can affect the result.
- Do not exercise intensively the evening before and do not suddenly change your diet the day before the test.
- Tell the staff at the blood collection centre about any medicines you are taking. Do not stop taking them on your own, ask your doctor about this.
- Have your blood drawn, then you can eat breakfast straight away.
It is worth having other tests done from the same sample, such as a full blood count (around PLN 25) or cholesterol test (around PLN 15). One blood draw means one visit and one collection fee, if the laboratory charges one. We provide more information about a basic blood test package in the article full blood count with differential: price.
Fasting glucose test: how long does it take and when is the result available?
The blood draw for a glucose test usually takes 5 to 10 minutes, including registration and any time spent waiting. Laboratories most often issue the result on the same day, frequently online, or by the next working day at the latest. Only the glucose tolerance test takes longer: after the first blood draw, you drink a glucose solution and wait at the blood collection centre for around two hours before the second draw. During this time, you must not eat, drink anything other than water or walk around, so it is worth bringing a book.
How much does a private glucose tolerance test cost?
A private glucose tolerance test most often costs PLN 45, typically PLN 40 ‑ 47, according to 5 price lists collected by indekscen.pl. The cheapest centres charge from PLN 27, while the most expensive charge up to PLN 80. Details are available at glucose tolerance test.
The price depends on the laboratory and the number of measurements included in the test. The version with two measurements, one while fasting and one after two hours, is cheaper than the version with three measurements, which is ordered during pregnancy, for example. With a doctor’s referral, the glucose tolerance test is free; without a referral, it can be done privately.
„Cena test tolerancji glukozy (75g - 0, 2h) waha się od 27,00 zł do 52,00 zł, w zależności od punktu pobrań.”
Synevo.pl, 2025-09, source
„Krzywa cukrowa w prywatnych placówkach kosztuje zwykle około 30–80 zł, a cena zależy od miasta, zakresu badania i standardu opieki.”
vitmeup.pl, 2026-12, source
„Prywatnie cena badania krzywej cukrowej to ok. 30-50 zł.”
apteline.pl, source
„Pakiet krzywa cukrowa. 45,00 zł.”
sklep.bcam.pl, 2026-09, source
Fasting glucose testing during pregnancy: what do you need to know?
The doctor managing the pregnancy usually orders a fasting glucose test at the beginning of pregnancy and a glucose tolerance test with three measurements between the 24. and 28. weeks. With a referral from a doctor providing pregnancy care under the NFZ, both tests are free. Privately, a standard glucose test costs around PLN 14, while a glucose tolerance test costs around PLN 45.
The doctor managing the pregnancy decides when the tests should be performed and whether they need to be repeated. It is helpful to have someone accompany you for a glucose tolerance test during pregnancy: the sweet solution makes some women feel sick, and vomiting means the test must be stopped.
Does a blood sugar level of 115 mean diabetes?
A fasting glucose result of 115 mg/dl does not in itself mean diabetes, but it is above the normal range. According to recommendations from diabetes specialists, the normal fasting glucose level in venous blood plasma is 70 to 99 mg/dl, a result of 100 to 125 mg/dl indicates impaired fasting glucose, and diabetes is usually diagnosed when a result of 126 mg/dl or higher is recorded in two measurements.
See your GP if your result is abnormal: they will decide whether to repeat the test or order a glucose tolerance test or HbA1c. Do not interpret the results yourself or change your treatment without medical advice. The reference ranges are similar for children, but symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss and fatigue require an urgent appointment with a paediatrician, rather than waiting for a private test.
How can you avoid overpaying for a blood sugar test?
- Ask your GP for a referral. Glucose tests and glucose tolerance tests are free under the NFZ.
- Compare blood collection centres within the same chain. The price of a glucose test can range from PLN 12 to PLN 28.
- Buy tests online. Some laboratories offer lower prices for online orders than at reception.
- Do not buy a package if you only need one test. “Diabetes” packages are cost-effective only if you would have all the listed tests anyway.
- Combine tests in a single blood draw. Testing glucose, cholesterol and a full blood count from one sample saves time and travel. The same applies to a vitamin D test, which we discuss in the article vitamin D level test: price.
You can find more prices for tests and medical appointments in the health category. The prices in this article come from public laboratory price lists and articles. Each price has a source, date and verbatim quotation on the service page. This article is not a substitute for medical advice: a doctor should decide which tests you need and what the result means.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get fasting glucose test results?
Wynik badania glukozy na czczo laboratoria wydają zwykle tego samego dnia, często po kilku godzinach, a najpóźniej następnego dnia roboczego. Samo badanie kosztuje prywatnie około PLN 14.
Can you have a glucose tolerance test without a referral?
Tak, krzywą cukrową można zrobić prywatnie bez skierowania, płacąc zwykle PLN 40 ‑ 47. Ze skierowaniem od lekarza badanie jest bezpłatne.
How long must you fast before a glucose tolerance test?
Przed krzywą cukrową, tak jak przed zwykłym badaniem glukozy, trzeba być na czczo zwykle od 8 do 14 godzin. Test obciążenia glukozą kosztuje prywatnie około PLN 45.
Can a fasting glucose test be done at home with a blood glucose meter?
Glukometr pokazuje orientacyjny poziom cukru z krwi z palca i przydaje się do codziennej kontroli, ale do rozpoznania lekarz potrzebuje wyniku z laboratorium. Badanie z krwi żylnej kosztuje prywatnie zwykle PLN 14 ‑ 17.
How much do glucose and cholesterol tests cost together?
Glukoza na czczo to około PLN 14, a cholesterol całkowity około PLN 15. Oba badania robi się z jednego pobrania krwi, na czczo.
Check prices with sources
Every amount quoted in the article has a source, date and verbatim quote from the price list on the service page.
Translation of the original Polish article dated 30 September 2026. Quotations from price lists are in Polish, as published by the companies. Read the original in Polish.
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