Blood Sugar (Glucose) Test

A  glucose test is recommended if the person exhibits symptoms suggestive of high or low blood sugar levels. High glucose levels could be due to:

• Increased urination
• Increased thirst
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds
• Fatigue

Symptoms of low glucose in the blood are

• Sweating
• Anxiety
• Trembling
• Confusion
• Hunger

There are certain risk factors that can increase the chances of diabetes:

• Lack of exercise
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Overweight
• Strong family history of diabetes
• Increased blood pressure
• Heart diseases

During pregnancy, a blood glucose test is commonly advised between the 24th and 28th week to check for gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs only during pregnancy, and blood glucose levels usually return to normal after childbirth.

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You will be asked to fast for at least 7-8 hours before the test. If a post-lunch sample is needed, you should eat a light lunch and return to the laboratory after 2 hours for providing another blood sample.

For determining gestational diabetes, women will be given a sugary drink an hour before the test. No fasting is necessary. If reports show higher glucose levels, another test with fasting is needed. If you are on any medications, inform the doctor before discontinuing them.

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A blood sample is drawn from a vein in the arm using a small needle after swabbing the concerned area with an appropriate antiseptic. Some people may feel a slight sting during needle insertion, which will disappear immediately. No other risks are involved during this test. Individuals who have a blood glucose test kit at home can perform the following steps:

1. Wash hands thoroughly dab them dry with a towel and insert the test strip into the glucometer.
2. Use the lancing device (provided in the kit) on a fingertip to get a drop of blood.
3. Touch and hold the edge of the test strip into the drop of blood.

The screen on the device will provide glucose reading immediately.

Use your thumb to avoid sore spots on the pricking site. Results among glucometers vary; hence, the user manual instructions for test inferences should be referred; talk to your healthcare provider in case of any discrepancies.

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Blood glucose levels are individualised based on the following parameters:

• Duration of diabetes
• Age and life expectancy of the person
• Comorbid conditions such as blood pressure and thyroid
• Known cases of cardiovascular disease or other heart conditions
• Lack of awareness about blood glucose levels
• Other patient considerations

Normal results: Fasting (before a meal) or preprandial blood glucose levels are considered normal between 80 and 130 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dL). Post-lunch (1-2 hours after a meal) glucose levels should be below 180 mg/dL.

Abnormal results: Blood glucose levels in higher or lower than the standard range are considered to be abnormal. High blood sugar levels could be due to:

• Hyperthyroidism
• Kidney disease
• Pancreatic cancer
• Pancreatitis

Low blood glucose levels could be due to

• Hypothyroidism
• High insulin levels
• Liver disease

Note that blood sugar levels may also fluctuate with strong feelings and emotions or stress. It is important to keep track of every sugar test to understand whether food, activity or emotions affect glucose levels. This will help evaluate if the diabetes plan is effective. If blood sugar levels are repeatedly abnormal, you must speak with your healthcare provider or diabetes educator.

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational perspective and is in no way a substitute for medical advice from a qualified doctor.

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