Fasting Blood Sugar Test
What is Fasting Blood Sugar test?
A fasting blood sugar test determines the quantity of sugar (glucose) in your blood.This simple, safe, and routine test can detect prediabetes, diabetes, and gestational diabetes. A healthcare provider will use a needle or prick your finger to obtain blood from your arm. Eat or drink nothing for eight to twelve hours before the exam (except water).
Several types of diabetes, including gestational diabetes and prediabetes, can be diagnosed by fasting blood sugar levels. The term fasting blood glucose is sometimes used interchangeably with fasting blood sugar. In addition to revealing a person’s blood sugar management, fasting blood sugar levels might also reveal a lot about their health. It is typical for blood sugar levels to peak an hour after a meal, then decline an hour later.
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Why is the Fasting Blood Sugar Test done?
Glucose testing is most commonly used to detect or treat type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which blood glucose levels rise.A hormone called insulin regulates the quantity of sugar in your blood. If you have diabetes, however, your body either does not make enough insulin or the insulin that is generated does not function properly. This generates a buildup of sugar in your blood. Chronically increased blood sugar levels, if unchecked, can lead to additional dangerous illnesses such as renal disease, blindness, and heart disease.
Blood glucose testing can be used to check for hypoglycemia in specific instances.This syndrome arises when your blood glucose levels are too low, usually less than 70 milligrammes per deciliter (mg/dL). Diabetics might develop hypoglycemia if they take too much medication, such as insulin, exercise more than usual, or skip a meal. Other underlying diseases or drugs can induce hypoglycemia less frequently. Low blood sugar is considered a medical emergency by doctors since it can cause seizures, unconsciousness, and even death.
