Glucose

The Glucose test measures the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Glucose is a primary source of energy for the body's cells and comes from the foods we eat. Monitoring glucose levels helps diagnose and manage conditions like diabetes, prediabetes, and hypoglycemia.

1. What Is Glucose?

• Glucose is a simple sugar and the body's main source of energy.

• It is regulated by hormones, primarily insulin (which lowers glucose) and glucagon (which raises it).

• Glucose enters the bloodstream from dietary carbohydrates and is used or stored by cells.

2. Why Is the Glucose Test Performed?

This test is used to:

• Screen for and diagnose diabetes or prediabetes.

• Monitor blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

• Detect episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

• Assess overall metabolic health and guide treatment plans.

3. Glucose Test Types and Reference Ranges

• Fasting Blood Glucose:

  - Normal: 70 – 99 mg/dL

  - Prediabetes: 100 – 125 mg/dL

  - Diabetes: ≥ 126 mg/dL (confirmed on repeat testing)

• Random (Casual) Blood Glucose:

  - Normal: < 140 mg/dL

  - Diabetes: ≥ 200 mg/dL with symptoms

• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT):

  - 2-hour post-load: < 140 mg/dL is normal; ≥ 200 mg/dL indicates diabetes

4. How to Interpret Glucose Results

🔹 High Glucose (Hyperglycemia):

• May indicate diabetes, prediabetes, Cushing’s syndrome, or acute stress.

• Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.

🔹 Low Glucose (Hypoglycemia):

• May occur in people taking insulin or with insulin-producing tumors.

• Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, confusion, and fainting.

5. What Can Affect Glucose Levels?

• Diet and meal timing

• Physical activity or exercise

• Medications (e.g., insulin, steroids, diuretics)

• Illness, stress, or hormone imbalances

• Fasting duration or test timing

6. How Is the Test Performed?

• A blood sample is drawn from a vein or fingerstick.

• Fasting for at least 8 hours is typically required for a fasting glucose test.

7. When to See a Doctor

🚨 Contact your healthcare provider if you:

• Experience symptoms of high or low blood sugar.

• Have risk factors for diabetes (e.g., family history, obesity, sedentary lifestyle).

• Are pregnant and being screened for gestational diabetes.

🔹 Key Takeaways

✅ Glucose testing is essential for diagnosing and managing diabetes and metabolic health.

✅ Fasting glucose and OGTT are standard tests to evaluate blood sugar control.

✅ Regular monitoring helps prevent complications and guide treatment.