Fasting Blood Sugar DETAILS
An important test for checking blood sugar level to diagnose pre-diabetes or diabetes conditions.
A blood glucose test measures the amount of a type of sugar, called glucose in the blood. Normally, blood glucose levels increase slightly after you eat. This increase causes the pancreas to release insulin so that the blood glucose levels do not get too high. Blood glucose levels that remain high over time can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels.
Serum glucose levels must be evaluated according to the time of day they are performed. For example, a glucose level of 135mg/dl may be abnormal if the patient is in the fasting state, but this level will be within normal limits if the patient had eaten a mean within the last hour.
In general, true glucose elevations indicate diabetes mellitus; however, one must be aware of many other causes of hyperglycaemia (high level glucose in the blood). Similarly also, hypoglycaemia, which is lower than normal glucose level, has many causes. Glucose determinations must be performed frequently in new patients with diabetes to monitor closely the insulin dosage to be administered.
Disclaimer: Laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted as a "stand-alone" item. Test results have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental information/tests. The meaning of your tests results will be explained by your healthcare providers, based on additional information you provide them.