Contributed by – Healthians Team
What is the glucose test?
Your body consumes carbohydrates present in foods like grains and fruits. It then transforms them into glucose. Glucose is sugar which is one of your body’s main sources of energy. You can conduct a home test which aids in checking your blood sugar levels. This test can assist you in regulating your blood sugar levels. You can also adjust your diet, exercise or diabetes medications on the basis of this test. Your health practitioner might prescribe this test in order to diagnose diabetes or as a part of your routine checkup. It is also conducted to see diabetes or pre-diabetes which is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal
Low blood sugar i.e. hypoglycemia can cause seizures or a coma if left untreated. High blood sugar i.e. hyperglycemia can cause ketoacidosis. It is a life-threatening condition for those who are suffering from type 1 diabetes. Hyperglycemia over a long period can increase your risk for neuropathy i.e. nerve damage along with heart, kidney and eye diseases.
Who should get the test?
Your doctor might prescribe a blood glucose test in case of the signs of high glucose levels i.e. hyperglycemia or low glucose levels i.e. hypoglycemia. Signs of high blood glucose levels are when you have increased thirst and you feel the urge to urinate frequently. Blurred vision, frequent exhaustion and wounds taking a long time to heal are some other symptoms. Whereas symptoms of low blood glucose levels are anxiety, sweating, trembling, hunger and confusion.
It is also done when you are overweight, follow a sedentary lifestyle, have a family history of diabetes and suffer from high blood pressure and heart disease. During pregnancy, the test is conducted between the 24th and 28th week to check for gestational diabetes.
Why is the test needed?
The test is needed if you are overweight, above the age of forty-five years, have a history of insulin resistance, diabetes and strokes or hypertension. You are eligible for the test if you are overweight and you follow a sedentary lifestyle coupled with high blood pressure, high triglycerides or low good cholesterol levels. You should go for the test if you are suffering from gestational diabetes or you had delivered a baby weighing over nine pounds in the past. The test is also done in case of a family history of diabetes.
What does the test result mean?
Depending on the condition and the timing of the test, the blood sugar levels should be in the target ranges listed below:
|
Time |
People without diabetes | People with diabetes |
|
Before breakfast |
Under 70-99 mg/dL | 80-130 mg/dL |
| Before lunch, dinner & snacks | Under 70-00 mg/dL |
80-130 mg/dL |
| Two hours after eating | Under 140 mg/dL |
Under 180 mg/dL |
The doctor will give you a precise target range for blood sugar levels depending on your personal history, duration of diabetes, presence of diabetes complications, age, pregnancy and overall health. Tracking your blood sugar levels regularly is one way to take control of your diabetes.
Diagnostic results
The table below shows what your blood sugar test results mean:
|
Normal |
Prediabetes |
Diabetes |
|
Under 100 mg/dL |
Between 110-125 mg/dL | Greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL |
| Under 5.7 percent | 5.7-6.4 percent |
Greater than or equal to 6.5 percent |
The doctor will create a treatment plan for you if results suggest pre-diabetes or diabetes.
How is the test done?
Blood is drawn through a needle from your vein. In case of fasting blood sugar test, you are required to fast for twelve hours before the test.
