Glucose, Fasting

A Glucose Fasting test determines the quantity of glucose, or sugar, in your bloodstream. Your body turns the carbohydrates you consume into glucose, which you can use for energy. Blood glucose levels that are very high or low may indicate a significant medical problem, such as diabetes.  

Doctors frequently request a blood glucose test to help identify diabetes. Gestational diabetes, type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes are the main conditions that are diagnosed or treated by glucose testing.

 Typically, the insulin hormone regulates how much sugar is present in your blood. However, if you have diabetes, your system either produces insufficient insulin or the insulin it does generate doesn't function effectively. Your blood sugar will increase as a result of this. Chronically high blood sugar levels can cause heart disease, renal damage, blindness, and other catastrophic diseases if left untreated.  

Due to the risk of seizures, paralysis, and even mortality, doctors view extremely low blood sugar as a medical emergency. There are various types of blood glucose tests that are employed to monitor abnormal blood glucose levels, including: 

• Random (non-fasting) 
• Fasting 
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), is a two-hour post-prandial test that is conducted following the consumption of food or liquid. These post-meal tests can demonstrate how effectively a person with diabetes is controlling their blood glucose levels 

The Apollo 24|7 blood glucose test is a fasting test that accurately determines how much glucose is present in the blood after an 8 - 10 hour fast. The Glucose Fasting test is performed to:  

• Test for or identify diabetes and pre-diabetes  
• Keep  track of blood sugar levels in patients undergoing treatment 
• Learn how blood sugar levels are impacted by diet and activity
• Recognize the effects of additional variables, such as stress or anxiety, on blood sugar levels
• Monitor your progress in achieving your overall treatment objectives

Furthermore, testing for Hypoglycemia can occasionally be performed using blood glucose levels. Hypoglycemia is a condition that develops when blood glucose levels are too low, typically below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). 

People with diabetes who take too much insulin or engage in rigorous exercise or meal skipping risk of developing Hypoglycemia. Less frequently, various underlying diseases or drugs can result in Hypoglycemia. 

Similarly, a blood glucose test can also be used to diagnose Hyperglycemia, which is characterized by high blood glucose levels compared to the normal range. Values above 140 mg/dl indicate Hyperglycemia. These elevated blood sugar levels primarily result from insufficient or malfunctioning insulin. 

Medically reviewed by Dr. K Surya Pavan Reddy, Diabetologist at Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills,Hyderabad.

Frequently asked questions

What physical effects does diabetes have?

Major body organs such as the blood vessels, eyes, heart, nerves, and kidneys are all impacted by diabetes. These organs can suffer harm from uncontrolled blood glucose levels, which can also lead to difficulties. The consequences can potentially result in physical handicaps and pose a threat to life.

How does a typical Glucose Fasting test work?

Your blood sugar levels are checked using a blood glucose test following an overnight fast. Fasting blood sugar levels of 99 mg/dL or less are considered normal, 100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL are considered prediabetic levels, and 126 mg/dL or above are considered to be diabetes levels.

How can I prepare myself for a blood glucose test?

For at least eight hours before the blood sample is taken, you must refrain from eating or drinking anything besides water for a Glucose Fasting test. If you have diabetes, your healthcare provider could advise you to hold off on taking your first dosage of insulin or diabetes medication until after your blood specimen has been collected.

What are the symptoms and tell-tale indicators of Hyperglycemia?

Vision blurring, extreme thirst, increased urination, weariness, and headache are all indications of Hyperglycemia. If untreated, Hyperglycemia can lead to deteriorating clinical symptoms, including weakness, anxiety, discomfort in the belly, vomiting, nausea, fruity-smelling breath, breathlessness, poor appetite, and coma.

Can you test for diabetes on your own?

Diabetes cannot be diagnosed with home test kits purchased over the counter. Neither can the diagnostic tools used by diabetics, such as blood glucose metres. These pieces of equipment will display only the blood sugar levels you have at the time of testing.

What is the ideal diabetes treatment?

Unless there is a good reason not to, metformin is usually the first drug of choice for controlling type 2 diabetes. Metformin is affordable, reliable, and efficient. It might lower the danger of cardiovascular incidents. Moreover, it has a positive impact on lowering A1C values as well.