What is the essence of the blood sugar test?
The measurement of the amount of glucose or sugar in the blood is done through a procedure which is known as the blood sugar test. The doctor can ask to get the test done to help in the diagnosis of diabetes. People with diabetes can use the test to manage the condition and keep it under check. The blood sugar tests offer fast results and let the individual know of the following:
- how the diabetes treatment or medications are working
- if the diet or the exercise routine needs to change
- if the blood sugar levels are high or low
- if the overall treatment goals for diabetes can be managed
The doctor can even order the blood sugar test as a measure of a routine checkup. This test can be ordered if the doctor suspects you have diabetes or prediabetes. Prediabetes is a condition where the blood sugar levels are higher than normal.
What does the blood sugar test do?
The doctor might be ordering the blood sugar test to see if the person has diabetes or prediabetes. The test would be measuring the amount of glucose in the blood. The body converts the carbohydrates in foods like fruits and grains and converts them into glucose. Glucose is a sugar and is one of the main sources of energy in the body. A home test is often quite beneficial for people with diabetes. A blood sugar test would need to be taken to help determine the levels of glucose. This would help to adjust the diet, exercise and other modifications.
Low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia would lead to seizure if it is left untreated. High levels of blood sugar or hyperglycemia can lead to ketoacidosis. This is a severe condition and is a cause for concern for those with type 1 diabetes. It can even prove fatal in some cases. In ketoacidosis, the body starts to use only fats for fuel. Hyperglycemia, if persists for long durations, can increase the risk of nerve damage. They can even affect the kidneys, heart and the eyes. Thus, random blood sugar tests can help to keep a control over the blood sugar levels in the body.
What are the types of blood sugar tests?
The blood sugar can be tested in two ways. People who are managing or monitoring diabetes can prick the finger with the glucometer for daily tests. The other available method is to draw blood. The blood samples are used to screen diabetes. The doctor can even ask for a fasting blood sugar (FBS) test. The test would measure the blood sugar levels or the glycosylated haemoglobin, which is also a haemoglobin A1C test. The results of the test would actually reflect the blood sugar levels over the last 90 days. Thus the results of the test would show if you have prediabetes or diabetes. It can help to monitor how diabetes would need to be controlled. If there are chances that you have been infected with an STI like syphilis, the VDRLtest would be conducted.
How would the blood sugar test take place?
The doctor inserts a needle into a vein and draws blood. It is quite as simple as that. Blood sugar tests can even be taken at home with the help of a glucometer. The exact steps might vary a little depending on the type of glucose meter that is used. The instructions would be provided on the home kit. The procedure would involve pricking the finger and putting the blood on the glucose meter strip. The strip would already be inserted into the machine and the results would be shown on the screen in about 10 seconds.
The blood sugar levels should be about 70 - 99 mg/dl and less than 140 mg/dL if a meal has been taken. This test helps the individual to check the glucose levels in the body and understand the preventive measures to be taken.
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