Hello! How are you? Today we are going to talk about a topic that is important to many people. That is, checking blood sugar levels, or as we call it, ``Blood Glucose Test''. Maybe you have done this ``test''. Or maybe you have heard someone talking about it. Let's see what it is, why it is done, and how to do it, all in simple terms.
What is a Blood Glucose Test?
Simply put, this is a test that measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. This is mainly used to determine whether you have diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes. However, this test is not only used for diabetes. We will talk about that later.
There are two main types of this test.
Now look, there are two ways to do this blood sugar test.
- Capillary blood glucose test: This involves pricking your fingertip with a small needle and taking a drop of blood. For young children, this is often done from the heel. The drop of blood is then placed on a test strip and inserted into a glucose meter, which can measure your blood sugar levels in a matter of seconds. You may have seen people with diabetes checking their blood sugar at home this way. This gives very quick results.
- Venous/Plasma blood glucose test: This involves taking a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm using a syringe. This is done by a phlebotomist, a person who is trained to take blood. This is often done in conjunction with other blood tests, such as a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP). The blood sample is then sent to a lab for testing.
Generally speaking, the results obtained from a venous blood test are more accurate than those obtained from a fingerstick test.
Are there other types of glucose tests?
Yes, there are several other ways.
- Fasting Blood Sugar Test: This is also an important test to find out if you have diabetes. The blood sugar level changes after we eat. Therefore, by doing this ``test`` after a few hours (usually 8-12 hours) without eating or drinking anything (you can only drink water), you can get a clear idea of your ``baseline blood sugar``.
- At-home glucose monitoring: This is very important for people with diabetes. They monitor their blood sugar levels regularly, either with a glucose meter that pricks their finger with a small needle, or with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), a small device that is attached to the skin. Staying aware of your blood sugar levels in this way is essential to keeping your diabetes under control.
What exactly is glucose (sugar) in the blood?
Think about it, glucose is the main fuel that gives our body energy. This glucose is mostly produced from the carbohydrates in the foods we eat and drink. Our liver also produces some glucose. This glucose travels through the blood to the cells throughout the body, where it provides the energy they need.
There are various processes in our body that help maintain the proper level of glucose in the blood. The hormone insulin plays a major role in this.
The most important thing is to maintain your blood glucose levels at a healthy level.
If your blood glucose levels are consistently high, it is called hyperglycemia. This is often a symptom of diabetes. Diabetes occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when your body cannot properly use the insulin it does produce.
At what time do you need to check your blood sugar?
There are several reasons to take this `test`. See if any of these apply to you:
- As a routine blood test ordered by your doctor: Sometimes your doctor will order a ``Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)`` or ``Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)`` as a routine blood test. Both of these ``panels`` also include measuring your glucose levels.
- If you have symptoms of high or low blood sugar: You feel very thirsty, urinate frequently, lose weight, and feel tired, which are symptoms of high blood sugar (Hypoglycemia), or if you have symptoms of low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia), such as sweating, shaking, feeling shaky, and feeling hungry, your doctor will order this test.
- During pregnancy: Some people can develop a temporary form of diabetes called ``gestational diabetes'' during pregnancy. This is also how blood sugar is measured when a ``glucose tolerance test'' is done to detect it.
- If you take certain medications long-term: For example, medications like corticosteroids can affect your blood sugar levels when used for a long time. In such cases, your doctor may advise you to check your sugar levels regularly.
The most common blood sugar test is to check for type 2 diabetes (T2D). If you have risk factors for diabetes (e.g., family history of diabetes, obesity, lack of exercise), your doctor may recommend that you get this test regularly, regardless of your age. The American Diabetes Association recommends that everyone over the age of 35 get tested regularly.
How should you prepare before this test?
If you are having a fasting blood glucose test, do not eat or drink anything (except water) for 8 to 12 hours before the test.
If your blood sugar test is done as part of a ``Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)`` or ``Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)``, you may also need to fast for a few hours. However, if you need to follow any special instructions, your doctor will let you know in advance. So there is nothing to worry about.
What happens during the test?
This also varies slightly depending on the type of test you are doing.
In a test where blood is taken from a vein (Venous glucose test):
- You will be seated in a chair.
- The phlebotomist will then select an easy vein in your arm to draw blood from. Most often, it is in the elbow.
- Once the vein is found, the area is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
- Then a small needle is inserted into the vein and a blood sample is taken.
- After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected in a small test tube.
- After the blood sample is taken, the needle is removed and a piece of cotton or gauze is placed on the site to stop the bleeding.
- Finally, put a small bandage on the area and you're done. It's very simple.
In a fingertip test (Capillary blood glucose test):
- A healthcare worker will ask you which finger to take blood from.
- Then, your fingertips are cleaned with an alcohol swab.
- Next, a small needle called a ``lancet'' (this is usually in a small plastic device) is used to prick the tip of the finger. This is not very painful.
- Then, squeeze your fingertip slightly to produce a drop of blood.
- That drop of blood is placed on a test strip that is connected to a glucose meter.
- After taking enough blood for the test, they will give you a piece of cotton or gauze to stop the bleeding and ask you to hold your fingertips tightly.
- Within a few seconds, the glucose meter will display your blood sugar level on the screen.
You see, this is also very easy.
How long does it take to know the results?
If you have a venous blood glucose test, you can often get the results within a day or two.
The results of a capillary blood glucose test can be viewed in a few seconds with a glucose meter.
What should the normal blood sugar level be?
A healthy blood glucose level for someone without diabetes should be between 70 and 99 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) . That is, in millimoles per liter (mmol/L), between 3.9 and 5.5 (3.9-5.5 mmol/L) .
Sometimes, values between 50 mg/dL (2.8 mmol/L) and 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) can even be "normal" for people without diabetes.
What does high blood sugar mean?
If your blood glucose level is between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L and 6.9 mmol/L), it often means you have prediabetes . People with prediabetes have a 50% chance of developing type 2 diabetes within the next 5 to 10 years. But the best part is, you can take steps to reverse prediabetes.
If your blood glucose level is 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher on multiple fasting blood sugar tests, it usually means you have diabetes. People with Type 1 Diabetes can have very high blood sugar levels (200 mg/dL or 11.1 mmol/L or higher).
In any case, your doctor will likely order an A1c test before making a diagnosis. The A1c test shows your average blood sugar levels over several months.
Are there other reasons for high blood sugar levels?
Yes, besides diabetes, blood glucose levels can increase due to several other reasons:
- Problems with your adrenal glands, for example, Cushing syndrome.
- Problems with your pancreas, for example, pancreatitis.
- Hyperthyroidism.
- Being exposed to significant psychological stress, for example after surgery or a serious accident (trauma).
- Certain medications, especially corticosteroids.
What does low blood sugar mean?
A blood sugar level of 70 mg/dL or lower (Hypoglycemia) is considered very low for an adult with diabetes.
Hypoglycemia episodes are common in people with Type 1 Diabetes. They can also affect people with Type 2 Diabetes who take certain medications. However, they are rare in people without diabetes.
Even if you don't have diabetes, low blood glucose levels can be a sign of a condition like:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency)
- Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
- Insulinoma (This is a very rare tumor)
These conditions usually cause frequent episodes of low blood sugar. A person without diabetes should not be afraid of a single low blood sugar reading.
It's normal to feel scared when you see an unusual test result. But remember, a single high or low blood sugar level doesn't necessarily mean you have a medical condition or need treatment. Doctors use more than just a blood test to diagnose conditions like diabetes. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor questions. They are there to help you.
Okay, so what are the things we need to remember from all of this? (Take-Home Message)
Okay, we've talked a lot about this ``Blood Glucose Test''. Here are some things to remember in brief:
- Although a blood sugar test is primarily used to diagnose diabetes, it can also provide clues about other health conditions.
- In addition to rapid fingerstick tests, there are more accurate tests that are done in a lab by drawing blood from a vein.
- A fasting blood sugar test can give you a good idea of your baseline blood sugar levels.
- Before you panic about the results, be sure to talk to your doctor. Don't make a diagnosis based on the results of a single test.
- If you are at risk of developing diabetes, or have symptoms, it is very important to have this test done at regular intervals as advised by your doctor.
- Keeping blood sugar levels within the normal range is essential for a healthy life.
So, if your doctor ever asks you to do this ``(Blood Glucose Test)'', there's nothing to be afraid of or suspicious about. It's just an important thing to do to check your health. Got it?
` Blood sugar, glucose test, diabetes, sugar level, fasting test, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia
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