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HbA1c & Diabetes Test Cost in the Philippines [2026 Price Guide]
Quick Answer: On the rate sheets that facilities publish, a diabetes blood test costs about ₱60 to ₱1,200 for a fasting blood sugar (FBS), ₱250 to ₱4,100 for an HbA1c, and ₱230 to ₱3,900 for an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), depending on the facility. Government hospitals list the lowest starting rates (FBS ₱60 to ₱260, HbA1c ₱250 to ₱1,005). Hi-Precision Diagnostics lists FBS ₱100, HbA1c ₱475 and OGTT ₱370 (Metro Manila price list, July 4, 2023), and NWDI lists FBS ₱100 and OGTT ₱950. Private hospitals list the highest rates: Chong Hua Hospital lists FBS ₱315 and HbA1c ₱1,300 (effective August 26, 2026), and Makati Medical Center lists FBS ₱630 to ₱1,200 and HbA1c ₱2,170 to ₱4,100 (as of March 10, 2026). HbA1c needs no fasting.
About these figures: Every peso figure below comes from the facility's own published rate sheet, with the date on that sheet where it has one: PGH (undated), Southern Philippines Medical Center (as of August 31, 2022), Bicol Medical Center (as of May 2026), Bulacan Medical Center (2023 price list), WVSU Medical Center (undated sheet), Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center (January 2026), Hi-Precision Diagnostics (Metro Manila price list, updated July 4, 2023), NWDI, Chong Hua Hospital (effective August 26, 2026), Makati Medical Center (as of March 10, 2026) and De Los Santos Medical Center (undated). Facilities can change rates without notice, so confirm with the lab before you go. We could not find published diabetes test rates for Healthway, The Medical City, St. Luke's Medical Center, Asian Hospital, Cardinal Santos Medical Center or Medilinx Laboratory. Ranges labelled estimate are tantya (our own range), not published rates. Last checked: October 2026.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Are Diabetes Tests?
- Price Breakdown by Test Type
- Diabetes Screening Packages
- What Is Included in the Price
- Price by Facility
- Additional Costs
- Price by City
- PhilHealth and HMO Coverage
- Who Should Be Tested
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Philippines is in the middle of a diabetes epidemic. According to the International Diabetes Federation, about 4.7 million Filipino adults (aged 20-79) had diabetes in 2024, and an estimated 53.5% of them were undiagnosed. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the country, and its complications, such as heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations, are costly to treat.
The good news: diabetes is easy to detect. A simple Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) test is listed at ₱60 at PGH (service rate) and ₱100 at Hi-Precision and NWDI. A more comprehensive HbA1c test, which measures average blood sugar over 2-3 months, is listed at ₱475 at Hi-Precision and ₱1,300 at Chong Hua Hospital. Catching diabetes — or prediabetes — early allows you to prevent it from progressing and avoid devastating complications.
This guide breaks down every diabetes test available in the Philippines, what each costs, and when to get tested. If you are planning a full health checkup, diabetes tests are usually included in executive APE packages — see our Annual Physical Exam Cost guide.
What Are Diabetes Tests?
Diabetes is diagnosed primarily through blood tests that measure blood glucose levels at different times or over different periods.
Common Diabetes Tests
Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS): Measures blood glucose after an 8-12 hour fast. The most common initial screening test.
HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c / Glycated Hemoglobin): Measures the average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. More reliable than a single FBS reading for diagnosis and monitoring.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood glucose before and 2 hours after drinking a sugary solution. Used to diagnose diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Random Blood Sugar (RBS): Measures blood glucose at any time without fasting. Used for quick screening but less reliable.
Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG): Using a glucose meter at home to monitor blood sugar throughout the day (for diagnosed diabetics).
Diagnostic Criteria
| Test | Normal | Prediabetes | Diabetes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FBS | Below 100 mg/dL | 100-125 mg/dL | 126 mg/dL or higher |
| OGTT (2-hour) | Below 140 mg/dL | 140-199 mg/dL | 200 mg/dL or higher |
| HbA1c | Below 5.7% | 5.7-6.4% | 6.5% or higher |
| Random BS (with symptoms) | — | — | 200 mg/dL or higher |
Price Breakdown by Test Type
The rates below are the ones facilities publish. Where a facility lists several rates, we show the range. Any test a facility does not list here is not published, so ask the lab.
Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS): ₱60 to ₱1,200
The cheapest and most widely available diabetes test.
- Government hospitals: PGH ₱60 (service rate) to ₱260, WVSU Medical Center ₱85, Southern Philippines Medical Center ₱120 (as of August 31, 2022), Bicol Medical Center ₱125 (as of May 2026), Bulacan Medical Center ₱150, Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center ₱156 (January 2026)
- Diagnostic centers: Hi-Precision ₱100 (July 4, 2023), NWDI ₱100
- Private hospitals: Chong Hua Hospital ₱315 (effective August 26, 2026), Makati Medical Center ₱630 to ₱1,200 (as of March 10, 2026)
Requires: 8-12 hour fast before test
HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c): ₱250 to ₱4,100
The gold standard for diabetes diagnosis and monitoring.
- Government hospitals: Bulacan Medical Center ₱250, Southern Philippines Medical Center ₱440 (as of August 31, 2022), PGH ₱300 (service rate, MRL section) to ₱1,005, Bicol Medical Center ₱500 (as of May 2026), WVSU Medical Center ₱900
- Diagnostic centers: Hi-Precision ₱475 (July 4, 2023). NWDI does not list HbA1c on its price list.
- Private hospitals: Chong Hua Hospital ₱1,300 (effective August 26, 2026), Makati Medical Center ₱2,170 to ₱4,100 (as of March 10, 2026)
No fasting required, so it can be done anytime
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): ₱230 to ₱3,900
The most comprehensive diabetes test. Also used to diagnose gestational diabetes in pregnant women.
- Government hospitals: PGH 75 g ₱230 (service rate) to ₱990, Bicol Medical Center ₱375 (2 takes) to ₱500 (3 takes), Southern Philippines Medical Center ₱480 (3-hour; ₱720 for 5-hour), Bulacan Medical Center ₱600
- Diagnostic centers: Hi-Precision ₱370 (75 g, non-pregnant) and ₱480 (pregnant), NWDI ₱950
- Private hospitals: Makati Medical Center ₱1,280 to ₱3,900 depending on the number of samples (as of March 10, 2026). Chong Hua Hospital does not list an OGTT.
Requires: Overnight fast, 2-3 hours at the facility
Random Blood Sugar (RBS)
- Diagnostic centers and hospitals: Hi-Precision ₱100, NWDI ₱121, Bicol Medical Center ₱125
Price Comparison Table
| Test | Published Range (dates above) | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FBS | ₱60 - ₱1,200 | 5 minutes | Initial screening |
| Random BS | ₱100 - ₱125 at the facilities that list it | 5 minutes | Quick check (less reliable) |
| HbA1c | ₱250 - ₱4,100 | 5 minutes | Diagnosis + monitoring |
| OGTT (75 g) | ₱230 - ₱3,900 | 2-3 hours | Comprehensive diagnosis |
| Gestational OGTT | ₱480 - ₱3,900 (Hi-Precision also lists a 50 g glucose challenge test at ₱260) | 3-4 hours | Pregnancy screening |
Diabetes Screening Packages
Some diagnostic centers and hospitals offer diabetes screening packages that bundle multiple tests. The first table below shows our own estimates (tantya), not published rates. The second table shows the only published package prices we could find:
| Package Contents | Estimated Range (tantya) |
|---|---|
| Basic: FBS only | ₱100-₱300 |
| Standard: FBS + HbA1c | ₱600-₱1,500 |
| Extended: FBS + HbA1c + lipid profile | ₱1,500-₱2,500 |
| Comprehensive: FBS + HbA1c + lipid + creatinine + urinalysis | ₱2,000-₱3,500 |
| Executive diabetes screening | ₱3,000-₱5,000 |
Examples of Specific Packages
| Provider | Package | Published price |
|---|---|---|
| De Los Santos Medical Center | HealthForward Diabetes (CBC, creatinine, fecalysis, FBS, HbA1c, lipid profile, SGOT, SGPT, uric acid, urinalysis, chest X-ray, whole abdomen ultrasound, ankle brachial index, ECG, 2D echo with Doppler, eye exams) | ₱13,000 closed package (the page says prices may change without notice) |
| Hi-Precision Diagnostics | Standard Chem, Basic Health (includes HbA1c), Diabetic Health Care (includes HbA1c), Routine and Executive Health Care Program packages | Inclusions are listed online, no prices published |
| NWDI | Basic Diabetes Screening, Pre-Diabetes Screening, Diabetes Monitoring Panel | Inclusions are listed online, no prices published |
What Is Included in the Price
Standard diabetes test fees typically include:
- Blood draw (venipuncture or fingerstick)
- Laboratory processing and analysis
- Written report with values and reference ranges
- Basic interpretation (normal, prediabetes, or diabetes indication)
Not usually included:
- Doctor's consultation to discuss results (₱500-₱2,500)
- Dietitian or nutritionist consultation (₱1,000-₱3,000)
- Ophthalmology screening for diabetic retinopathy
- Foot examination for diabetic neuropathy
- Kidney function tests (often needed for monitoring)
Price by Facility
Only facilities that publish a rate sheet are listed, with the date on the sheet where it has one.
Government Hospitals
| Facility | FBS | HbA1c | OGTT | Source date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philippine General Hospital | ₱60 (service rate), ₱105 (outpatient-pay), ₱215 - ₱260 (ward to suite) | ₱300 (service rate, MRL section); main lab ₱450 (service rate), ₱755 (outpatient-pay), ₱800 - ₱1,005 (ward to suite) | 75 g: ₱230 (service rate), ₱315 (outpatient-pay), ₱820 - ₱990 (ward to suite) | Undated |
| Southern Philippines Medical Center | ₱120 | ₱440 | ₱480 (3-hour) | As of August 31, 2022 |
| Bicol Medical Center | ₱125 | ₱500 | ₱375 (2 takes), ₱500 (3 takes) | As of May 2026 |
| Bulacan Medical Center | ₱150 | ₱250 | ₱600 | 2023 price list |
| WVSU Medical Center | ₱85 | ₱900 | Not listed | Undated sheet |
| Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center | ₱156 | Not listed | Not listed | January 2026 |
Diagnostic Centers
| Facility | FBS | HbA1c | OGTT | Source date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi-Precision Diagnostics (Metro Manila) | ₱100 | ₱475 | ₱370 (75 g, non-pregnant) | Updated July 4, 2023 |
| NWDI | ₱100 | Not listed | ₱950 | Online price list |
Private Hospitals
| Facility | FBS | HbA1c | OGTT | Source date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chong Hua Hospital (Cebu) | ₱315 | ₱1,300 | Not listed | Effective August 26, 2026 |
| Makati Medical Center | ₱630 - ₱1,200 | ₱2,170 - ₱4,100 | ₱1,280 - ₱3,900 | As of March 10, 2026 |
We could not find published diabetes test rates for Healthway, The Medical City, St. Luke's Medical Center, Asian Hospital, Cardinal Santos Medical Center or Medilinx Laboratory, so we do not quote prices for them.
Additional Costs
| Additional Service | Estimated Cost (tantya) |
|---|---|
| Endocrinologist consultation | ₱800 - ₱2,500 |
| Dietitian consultation | ₱1,000 - ₱3,000 |
| Diabetes educator session | ₱1,000 - ₱2,500 |
| Ophthalmology screening (diabetic retinopathy) | ₱500 - ₱2,500 |
| Kidney function tests (BUN, creatinine) | ₱500 - ₱1,500 |
| Urinalysis with microalbumin | ₱300 - ₱1,000 |
| Glucose meter for home monitoring | ₱800 - ₱3,500 |
| Test strips (monthly) | ₱500 - ₱2,500 |
| Diabetes medications (monthly) | ₱500 - ₱10,000+ |
| Insulin (monthly) | ₱1,500 - ₱15,000+ |
Price by City
| City (our estimates, tantya) | FBS | HbA1c | Full Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Manila | ₱100 - ₱400 | ₱475 - ₱1,300 | ₱1,500 - ₱3,500 |
| Cebu City | ₱100 - ₱350 | ₱500 - ₱1,200 | ₱1,500 - ₱3,000 |
| Davao City | ₱100 - ₱350 | ₱500 - ₱1,200 | ₱1,500 - ₱3,000 |
| Iloilo City | ₱100 - ₱300 | ₱500 - ₱1,100 | ₱1,400 - ₱2,800 |
| Baguio City | ₱100 - ₱300 | ₱500 - ₱1,100 | ₱1,400 - ₱2,800 |
| Provincial areas | ₱100 - ₱300 | ₱475 - ₱1,000 | ₱1,200 - ₱2,500 |
PhilHealth and HMO Coverage
PhilHealth
PhilHealth does not pay for diabetes tests that you request yourself at a lab or hospital. Members registered with a YAKAP (formerly Konsulta) clinic can have tests ordered by that clinic's doctor. PhilHealth's Konsulta benefit table (Circular 2024-0013, Annex B) lists fasting blood sugar, oral glucose tolerance test and HbA1c among the select laboratory tests that the primary care team can order as part of case management. PhilHealth describes YAKAP as an evolution of Konsulta, and we could not open a separate YAKAP laboratory list.
- YAKAP / Konsulta primary care benefit: covers consultations and the select tests above at your registered clinic, ordered by its doctor.
- Hospitalization coverage: PhilHealth case rates are paid to accredited hospitals for admitted patients and cover hospital charges and the attending physician's professional fee. We did not check which diabetes-related diagnoses have a case rate, so ask the hospital billing office.
HMO Coverage
- Basic HMOs: Usually cover FBS as part of annual check-up
- Standard HMOs: Cover full diabetes screening (FBS, HbA1c, lipid profile) annually
- Premium HMOs: Include diabetes management program with endocrinologist, dietitian, and regular monitoring
Who Should Be Tested
Screening Recommendations
| Age Group | Risk Level | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | Low | Test if symptoms or family history |
| 35-44 | Average | FBS every 3 years |
| 45+ | Average | FBS + HbA1c every 1-3 years |
| Any age | High risk | Annual testing |
High-Risk Factors
Get tested regardless of age if you have any of the following:
- Family history of diabetes (parent, sibling)
- Overweight or obese (BMI 25+)
- High blood pressure
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Previous gestational diabetes
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Prediabetes previously diagnosed
- Asian ethnicity (Filipinos are at higher genetic risk)
- Previous abnormal blood sugar results
Symptoms That Warrant Immediate Testing
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Excessive thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds or sores
- Frequent infections
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
- Darkening of skin in neck creases (acanthosis nigricans)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fast for a diabetes test?
- FBS: Yes, 8-12 hours of fasting
- HbA1c: No fasting required
- OGTT: Yes, overnight fasting + additional 2-3 hours at the lab
- Random blood sugar: No fasting required
Which test is best for diagnosing diabetes?
HbA1c is often considered the most practical single test because:
- No fasting required
- Reflects average blood sugar over 2-3 months (not just a single moment)
- Not affected by short-term food intake or stress
- Used both for diagnosis and monitoring
However, diabetes diagnosis typically requires two abnormal tests (can be any combination of FBS, HbA1c, OGTT, or random BS with symptoms) to confirm.
What is prediabetes and should I worry?
Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. People with prediabetes have a high chance of developing type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years, according to the US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The good news: prediabetes can often be reversed through lifestyle changes — weight loss, exercise, and dietary modifications.
How often should I get tested?
- No risk factors: Every 3 years from age 35-44, every 1-3 years from age 45+
- One risk factor: Every 1-2 years
- Multiple risk factors: Annually
- Diagnosed diabetes: HbA1c every 3-6 months, plus home glucose monitoring as directed
Will my test results be affected by stress or illness?
- FBS and random BS: Can be temporarily elevated by stress, illness, or medications (corticosteroids)
- HbA1c: More stable, reflects long-term average
If your test result is abnormal and you were stressed or ill, your doctor may recommend retesting.
Can I test for diabetes at home?
Yes, with a glucometer (blood sugar meter). These are widely available at pharmacies, and prices vary by brand. However, home meters are primarily for monitoring established diabetes, not for initial diagnosis. A formal lab test is still needed for diagnosis.
Is diabetes curable?
Type 1 diabetes is not curable but is manageable with insulin. Type 2 diabetes is sometimes reversible with significant weight loss and lifestyle changes, especially if caught early (prediabetes or early-stage Type 2). Most people with established Type 2 diabetes can achieve good control but will need lifelong management.
What's the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
- Type 1 diabetes: Autoimmune condition where the body destroys insulin-producing cells. Usually diagnosed in children and young adults. Requires insulin from diagnosis. Affects ~5% of diabetics.
- Type 2 diabetes: The body becomes resistant to insulin. Usually diagnosed in adults, often associated with obesity and genetics. May be managed with diet, exercise, oral medications, or insulin. Affects ~95% of diabetics.
Conclusion
Diabetes testing in the Philippines is affordable and accessible — there is no good reason to delay screening if you have risk factors or symptoms. A simple FBS (₱60 at PGH's service rate, ₱100 at Hi-Precision) or an HbA1c (₱475 at Hi-Precision) can catch diabetes early, when lifestyle changes can prevent or delay complications.
Budget option: FBS at a government hospital, listed at ₱60 to ₱156 for outpatients on the sheets we read (PGH ₱60 service rate, WVSU Medical Center ₱85, Southern Philippines Medical Center ₱120, Bicol Medical Center ₱125, Bulacan Medical Center ₱150, Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center ₱156). Excellent initial screening.
Best value: HbA1c + FBS at Hi-Precision Diagnostics: its July 4, 2023 Metro Manila price list shows FBS ₱100 and HbA1c ₱475, which adds up to ₱575. The most informative combination at reasonable cost.
Comprehensive option: De Los Santos Medical Center's HealthForward Diabetes package is listed at ₱13,000 and includes FBS, HbA1c, lipid profile, kidney and liver tests, ECG, chest X-ray, whole abdomen ultrasound, 2D echo and eye exams. Ideal for comprehensive metabolic screening.
Pro tip: If you are 35 or older and have any family history of diabetes, do not wait — get tested now. Early detection saves money, health, and lives. Pair your diabetes screening with an annual physical exam for the best value. Browse diagnostic centers on ClinicFinderPH to find affordable diabetes testing near you.