Has your doctor told you to take a blood sugar test? Or are you a little scared or curious about it because someone in your family has diabetes? Whatever the reason, it is very important for all of us to be aware of this blood sugar test, that is, the Blood Glucose Test. So today, we will talk about everything in a very simple way, in a way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is a Blood Glucose Test?
This is very simple. This test measures the amount of glucose, or 'sugar' as we all know it, in your blood. This is mainly done to find out whether you have a condition called diabetes or not.
Glucose is the main source of energy for our body's cells. It is produced by our liver, as well as by the carbohydrate-containing foods and drinks we eat. This glucose is carried through the blood to cells throughout the body. So, it is very important to keep our blood sugar levels within a healthy range. The main hormone that helps us do this is insulin .
If a person's body produces less insulin, or if the body cannot properly use the insulin it produces, blood sugar levels rise. We call this condition Hyperglycemia . This is usually the main symptom of diabetes.
What are the main methods of performing this test?
There are two main ways to test blood sugar. You've probably seen both. Let's take a look at what these two methods are.
| Test method | What is happening? |
|---|---|
| Taking a drop of blood from the fingertip (Capillary Blood Glucose Test) | This is a very quick method. You prick your fingertip with a small needle and take a drop of blood, put it on a test strip, and insert it into a glucose meter. You can see the results in a few seconds. For small babies, this is done by taking a drop of blood from the heel. |
| Venous/Plasma Blood Glucose Test | This involves taking a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm and sending the sample to a lab. This is usually done along with other blood tests (e.g., a Basic Metabolic Panel). It can take a day or two for the results to come back. This method is more accurate than the other methods. |
Other special types of tests
In addition to these two main methods, there are several other specialized tests.
- Fasting Blood Sugar Test: This is the main test used to diagnose diabetes. You have to give blood after you have not eaten or drunk anything for about 8-12 hours. Since what you eat and drink affects your blood sugar levels, taking the test while fasting can give you a clearer picture of your baseline blood sugar levels.
- At-home Glucose Monitoring: People with diabetes use this method to monitor their blood sugar levels daily. This involves using a device such as a glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that is attached to the skin.
When do you want to take this test?
There may be several reasons why your doctor might recommend this test.
- As part of a routine medical examination: Sometimes a doctor will ask you to do a series of routine blood tests (e.g. Basic Metabolic Panel - BMP or Comprehensive Metabolic Panel - CMP ). This may include a glucose test.
- If symptoms occur: If you have symptoms of high blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia). (e.g. frequent urination, excessive thirst, excessive hunger, sudden weight loss, blurred vision, fatigue).
- During pregnancy: This test is done to check for gestational diabetes, which can occur during pregnancy.
- If you are taking certain medications: If you are taking medications that can affect your blood sugar levels (e.g. corticosteroids ) for a long time, your doctor may ask you to check your blood sugar levels regularly.
- Diabetes risk: If you have risk factors for developing diabetes (e.g., family history, obesity), your doctor may recommend this test regardless of your age. It is generally recommended that anyone over the age of 35 get this test regularly.
How do you prepare before the test?
If you are doing a Fasting Blood Glucose Test, you should not eat or drink anything for 8 to 12 hours before the test. However, it is okay to drink water.
The most important thing is to follow the instructions given by your doctor or laboratory exactly. There may be other special instructions for your test, so ask about them.
What do the values in the report tell us?
Okay, now let's see what the results of this test say. These values are usually measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
| Fasting blood sugar level (mg/dL) | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 70 - 99 mg/dL | Normal Range: This is the normal healthy range for someone without diabetes. |
| 100 - 125 mg/dL | Prediabetes: This is a warning sign! Your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. This condition can be reversed with lifestyle changes. |
| 126 mg/dL or higher | Diabetes: If your fasting blood sugar level is higher than this value on more than one occasion, you may have diabetes. Your doctor may order another test, such as an A1c, to confirm this. |
| Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) | |
| 70 mg/dL or less | Low Blood Sugar: This is also a condition that needs attention. This is more common in people with diabetes. If someone without diabetes has this level, the cause needs to be found. |
Are there other reasons for blood sugar changes besides diabetes?
Yes. Although diabetes is the main cause, other factors can also cause blood sugar levels to rise or fall.
Other reasons for high sugar levels:
- Adrenal gland problems (e.g. Cushing Syndrome )
- Pancreatic problems (e.g., pancreatitis )
- Hyperthyroidism
- Severe mental or physical stress, such as surgery or a serious accident
- Certain medications, especially corticosteroids
Other reasons for low blood sugar levels:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Adrenal gland problems such as Addison's Disease
- Excessive alcohol use
- Rare tumors such as insulinoma
Remember, don't be afraid to assume that you have a disease just because a single test result changes. Your doctor won't make a decision based on just one test. He will consider your symptoms, other test results, and your entire health history to reach a conclusion.
So if you have any questions or concerns about your report, please don't keep them to yourself and talk openly with your doctor. He or she will explain everything to you.
Take-Home Message
- The Blood Glucose Test is a simple blood test used primarily to diagnose diabetes.
- If you are undergoing a fasting test, it is imperative that you refrain from eating or drinking for about 8-12 hours, as directed by your doctor.
- Don't be afraid of a single abnormal result. A doctor considers several factors when making a diagnosis.
- If your blood sugar level is in the 'prediabetes' stage, it is a warning sign. It can be brought back to normal with proper diet and exercise.
- Never hesitate to discuss any concerns you have about your test results and health status with your doctor.
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