3-rx.comCustomer Support
3-rx.com
   
HomeAbout UsFAQContactHelp
News Center
Health Centers
Medical Encyclopedia
Drugs & Medications
Diseases & Conditions
Medical Symptoms
Med. Tests & Exams
Surgery & Procedures
Injuries & Wounds
Diet & Nutrition
Special Topics



\"$alt_text\"');"); } else { echo"\"$alt_text\""; } ?>






You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Tests and Exams > Blood Glucose Tests
      Category : Health Centers > Diabetes

Blood Glucose Tests

Alternate Names : Blood Sugar

Overview & Description | Results and Values

Blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is the amount of glucose circulating in the blood. Glucose is a type of sugar. The body forms glucose when it breaks foods that a person eats down into a useable form of energy. Glucose is a main energy source for the body.

Measuring the amount of blood glucose in the blood helps evaluate:

  • how the body is converting and breaking foods down into energy
  • how the liver is working
  • how the organs in the body that help regulate blood glucose are working
  • Blood glucose can be measured in a number of ways. Some of the tests that can measure blood glucose include:

  • fasting blood glucose test
  • glycosylated hemoglobin, also called HbA1c or hemoglobin A1c test
  • oral glucose tolerance test
  • random blood glucose test
  • self-monitoring of blood glucose, also called SMBG, or home blood glucose monitoring tests
  • Who is a candidate for the test?

    A doctor may order a blood glucose test to evaluate the amount of glucose in the blood when he or she suspects a person has diabetes. These tests may also be done to rule out other causes of high or low blood glucose.

    How is the test performed?

    Here's how some of the tests may be done to check blood glucose levels:

  • A fasting blood glucose test is the preferred method to diagnose diabetes and rule out other conditions. This test is done after a person has had nothing to eat or drink except water for at least 8 hours. This is often called fasting. It is generally started overnight so the test can be done in the morning. Normal fasting plasma glucose levels are less than 110 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter). Fasting plasma glucose levels of more than 126 mg/dL on two or more tests done on different days usually indicate diabetes. Levels between 110 and 126 indicate a condition known as pre-diabetes.
  • An HbA1c, also known as glycosylated hemoglobin, measures the average blood glucose over the past 3 months. It is a good measure of long-term blood glucose control. This test is generally done only in people who have diabetes. It is used to assess how well their therapy is working.
  • An oral glucose tolerance test requires a person to drink a premeasured amount of a glucose drink. Then two hours later, a blood glucose measurement is done. Healthy glucose levels with this test are less than 140 mg/dL. If the blood glucose is greater than 200 mg/dL, then another test is done on a different day to confirm whether the person has diabetes or not. Usually the fasting blood glucose test or the random glucose test is done.
  • A random blood glucose test is done shortly after a person has eaten or had something to drink. A level of 200 mg/dL or higher may indicate diabetes. Usually if a level is above 200 mg/dL, a fasting glucose test or oral glucose tolerance test is done to confirm the diagnosis of diabetes.
  • A self-monitoring of blood glucose, also called SMBG or home blood glucose monitoring, lets a person monitor blood glucose at home. This is done only by people who have diabetes. A record of daily blood glucose readings can be kept to follow changes in glucose levels throughout the day. This can be useful to the doctor in deciding if changes need to be made to the person's diabetes treatment plan.
  • For most blood glucose tests, a blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm. First, the skin over the vein is cleaned with an antiseptic. A thin strip of rubber called a tourniquet is wrapped around the upper arm to enlarge the veins. A small needle is gently inserted into the enlarged vein. Then blood is collected for testing in the laboratory. After the tourniquet is removed, a cotton ball is held over the needle site until bleeding stops. The laboratory then tests the blood sample.

    The home blood glucose monitoring system, on the other hand, uses a small drop of blood from a person's finger. The drop is put onto a special strip of paper, which is then inserted into the blood glucose monitor machine. The monitor measures and displays the blood glucose reading. This test can monitor blood glucose fairly accurately if the person follows the directions carefully.


       

    Next section

       

    Blood Glucose Tests: Results and Values

    Author: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Reviewer: Melinda Murray Ratini, DO
    Date Reviewed: 06/10/02



    \"$alt_text\"');"); } else { echo"\"$alt_text\""; } ?>





    Home | About Us | FAQ | Contact | Advertising Policy | Privacy Policy | Bookmark Site