Glucose Fasting (Blood Sugar Fasting)

A fasting blood glucose is a medical test that is conducted to determine the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood sample, usually after an overnight fast.  The glucose is one of the main sources of energy which is moved by a hormone called insulin to the bloodstream. The test gets conducted turns out to be simple, accurate and inexpensive that exposes the issues regarding insulin. Fluctuation in the insulin level turns out to be a medical condition which needs to be taken care as it could lead to birth of unwanted health issues.

When to Get Tested?

Some of the symptoms that signifies the need of a blood sugar fasting involves:

•         Increased thirst
•         Frequent urination
•         Blurred vision
•         Continuous weight loss
•         Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
•         Infection

What is the Purpose of Blood Sugar Fasting?

Blood sugar fasting is conducted to understand the type of diabetes, which normally falls into three different categories:

1. Type 1 Diabetes: This type is generally addressed in children and teenagers whose bodies aren’t able to generate the level of insulin required for the body. It is a long-term process where a patient requires continuous attention and treatment. Nowadays, type1 diabetes is also seen in the people aged between 30-40 years.
2. Type 2 Diabetes: The condition of type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed for people suffering from obesity and overweight. On the flip side, the type 2 diabetes can also occur if the insulin produced in the body doesn’t work effectively.
3. Prediabetes: It is a condition where the glucose level are higher than the normal range, but is not as high as to reach the Type 2 diabetes.
4. Gestational Diabetes: This type of diabetes can be usually seen in pregnant ladies.

Apart from the types of diabetes mentioned above, the blood sugar fasting is also carried out to understand the presence and possibility of:

•         Pancreatic cancer
•         Pancreatitis
•         Thyroid

The Sample Collection Process

The glucose fasting is diagnosed medically by collecting blood sample of the patient with the help of a glucometer, which can be performed at home or at a laboratory.

Pre-Test or Precautions

It is important to note that before performing the blood sugar fasting, it is mandatory for the patient to fast at least for a period of 10-16 hours.

Interpretation of the Results

Once the test gets conducted to measure the blood sugar, the results are interpreted accordingly:

•         Less than 70 mg / dL – Episode of hypoglycemia
•         Less than or equal to 100 mg / dL – Normal
•         Between 110-125 mg/ dL – Prediabetes
•         Greater than 126 mg/ dL- Diabetes

If you have been finding yourself familiar with the symptoms mentioned here, or is being advised by a physician to proceed ahead with glucose fasting, it is recommended to proceed ahead with the test earlier to detect the current state. Moreover, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reduction of stress will also help you to clear the condition at a faster pace.