What is Blood Glucose Fasting Test?

The Blood Glucose Fasting Test is a type of medical examination that measures the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood after an individual has fasted for at least 8 hours. This test is critical in diagnosing conditions such as diabetes, prediabetes, and hypoglycemia.

Importance: The test is important in determining how the body manages glucose levels. High glucose levels can indicate diabetes, while low levels may indicate hypoglycemia.

Preparation: Patients are typically required to fast for 8-12 hours before the test. This is to ensure that food does not interfere with the test results.

Procedure: A healthcare professional draws a little blood, typically from a vein in the arm. Then, the blood sample is sent for lab analysis.

Blood Glucose Fasting test is required in several instances. Let's have a look at them:

• It is usually done in the morning, after at least eight hours of fasting.

• It is typically ordered to diagnose both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

• It is often part of a routine physical examination.

• It is commonly carried out if you have risk factors for diabetes like obesity, high blood pressure or a family history of the disease.

• It is usually done if you're experiencing diabetes symptoms like increased thirst, increased urination, and unexplained weight loss.

The Blood Glucose Fasting test is necessary for certain groups of people. They include:

• Individuals with a family history of diabetes

• People who are overweight or obese

• Those who lead a sedentary lifestyle

• Women who have had gestational diabetes or have delivered a baby whose birth weight is more than 9 pounds

• People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease

• Those experiencing symptoms of diabetes

• Individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• People who have a history of blood sugar issues or have shown prediabetic signs in previous tests.

The Blood Glucose Fasting Test typically utilizes the hexokinase method for analyzing the glucose levels in the blood. The hexokinase method is considered the gold standard for blood glucose testing due to its high level of accuracy.

• Step 1: Blood is drawn from a vein, usually in the arm.

• Step 2: The blood sample is mixed with other substances and then heated. The reaction produced turns a specific color depending on the glucose level in the blood.

• Step 3: The color of the reaction is measured using a spectrophotometer, a device that measures the amount of light that a substance absorbs. The intensity of the color determines the level of glucose in the blood.

A Blood Glucose Fasting Test, also known as Fasting Blood Sugar Test, is a procedure designed to measure the amount of glucose present in the blood after an overnight fast. This test is primarily used to diagnose and manage diabetes. The normal range for a Blood Glucose Fasting Test is generally between 70 mg/dL and 100 mg/dL. Values above this range may indicate a pre-diabetic or diabetic condition.

• Diabetes: This is the most common reason for an abnormal Fasting Blood Glucose Test. If your body does not produce enough insulin or if it does not use insulin properly, your blood glucose levels can rise.

• Pre-diabetes: In this condition, blood glucose levels are higher than normal but lower than those in diabetics.

• Pancreatic diseases: Diseases affecting the pancreas, such as pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, can cause an abnormal Fasting Blood Glucose Test.

• Certain medications: Some medications, including steroids and certain anti-psychotic drugs, can increase blood glucose levels.

• Hormonal disorders: Conditions that affect hormone levels, such as Cushing's syndrome or hyperthyroidism, can result in an abnormal Fasting Blood Glucose Test.

• Stress: Both physical and emotional stress can cause temporary increases in blood glucose levels.

• Do not eat or drink anything (except water) for a minimum of 8 hours before the test.

• Avoid strenuous physical activity the night before the test.

• If you are ill or under stress, it may affect your test results. Inform your doctor about any such condition prior to the test.

• Some medications may affect your blood glucose levels. Inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking.

Post-test, you may feel a little dizzy or lightheaded due to fasting. It is advised to have someone accompany you for the test or wait until you have eaten before you drive. After the test, you can return to your normal diet and activities. However, if your test results are abnormal, you may need to follow a special diet or take medication as directed by your doctor.

• Precision: Bajaj Finserv Health's accredited labs are equipped with state-of-the-art technology for the most precise outcomes.

• Cost-effectiveness: Our individual diagnostic tests and services are wide-ranging and won't put a strain on your budget.

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