partGlucose is a fundamental form of sugar that acts as the body’s primary energy source. Beyond merely fueling cells, glucose plays a pivotal role in sustaining every organ within our intricate biological system. Derived primarily from the food and beverages we consume, glucose is an energy source within the body. It’s not just about immediate intake; the body efficiently breaks down stored glycogen into glucose, ensuring a continuous and readily available energy supply. Our body particularly works tirelessly to maintain blood glucose levels at an optimal level. Insulin is a vital hormone that facilitates the entry of glucose into cells, also ensuring they receive the energy they need for optimal functionality. When blood sugar levels increases or decreases, it causes diabetes. In this blog, we will particularly navigate through the various blood sugar tests tailored during diabetes management shortly.
When are blood sugar tests recommended?
These symptoms may include:
- urinating more often
- feeling extremely thirsty
- feeling very hungry despite eating enough
- unexplained weight loss
- extreme fatigue or tiredness
- blurred vision
- slow healing of cuts and bruises
What factors affect blood glucose levels?
The factors that increase a person’s blood glucose levels such as
- eating too much food
- low levels of physical activity
- medication side effects
- illness
- stress
- pain
- menstruation
- dehydration
Random Blood Sugar
A random glucose test is a quick test that requires a small blood sample using a needle, often from the finger. There’s no preparations or fasting required before. For random glucose testing, blood sugar levels above 200mg/dl indicate diabetes.
Fasting Glucose
Fasting glucose is another common blood sugar test used to diagnose diabetes. It involves fasting for 8 to 12 hours before the test. The blood is usually taken after an overnight fast in the morning before eating.
Results:
Normal: less than 100 mg/dl
Prediabetes: 100–125 mg/dl
Diabetes: 126 mg/dl or above
Glucose Tolerance Test
Glucose tolerance tests (GTT) are used to evaluate the ability to process large amounts of sugar and the regulation of glucose metabolism. OGTT is done when random/fasting blood glucose testing is not enough to conclude or rule out the diagnosis of diabetes. If the blood sugar measured in the test is above a certain level, it means that the sugar is not being absorbed by the body’s cells. Diabetes, or gestational diabetes, might be the cause of this. Levels below 140 mg/dl are normal; 140–198 mg/dl are pre-diabetes; levels above 200 mg/dl indicate diabetes.
Glucose Challenge Test
The glucose challenge test is a follow-up to a glucose tolerance test. The test is done any time of the day. The test involves drinking a glass of concentrated glucose solution (50 g of glucose dissolved in 250 to 300 ml of water). After about an hour, a blood sample is taken to assess the blood sugar level. Levels below 140 mg/dl are normal; 140–198 mg/dl are pre-diabetes; levels above 200 mg/dl indicate diabetes.
Glycated Albumin Test
Doctors use the glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test to monitor blood sugar levels over the long term. This test is particularly helpful in understanding how well you’re managing chronic diabetic complications. The test results help monitor diabetes by indicating the extent of damage to proteins over the past 2–3 weeks.
Postprandial Blood Sugar Test
Postprandial is an another blood sugar test measures the glucose levels of the body immediately after a meal. Post prandial means after eating. Normally, your blood sugar level will rise after you eat. Within 2–4 hours, your blood sugar level will drop to normal after the glucose is converted into energy. This excess glucose in the blood is called postprandial blood sugar.
The normal levels of the test includes Normal case
After eating: 170 to 200
Two hours post-meal: less than 140
Levels above 230 (post-meal) and 200 (two hours after a meal) might indicate diabetes.
Continuous Ambulatory Glucose Monitor
A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) lives up to its name by constantly tracking your blood sugar levels. It works by inserting a sensor under your skin that communicates with a device you wear on your body. This device can even alert you if your blood sugar dips too low, even while you sleep. The test also involves inserting a small sensor in the skin which continuously monitors blood sugar levels, and a transmitter sends the information to the monitor. The test also provides real-time data on blood sugar. This helps, especially in cases where severe hypoglycemic episodes occur. Unlike the traditional blood tests used for diabetes management, a CGM evidently provides a continuous report over time.
Haemoglobin A1c
Hemoglobin A1c is an another blood test that shows your average blood sugar levels over the past two or three months. The test particularly measures the number of RBCs that have sugar-coated hemoglobin.
Result interpretations
- Less than 5.7% is normal levels
- 5.7% to 6.4% signals prediabetes.
- 6.5% or higher usually indicates Type 2 diabetes (or Type 1 diabetes).
Urine glucose
A urine glucose test particularly measures the amount of glucose in a urine sample. Blood tests to measure glucose levels are more common particularly. Doctors typically order these tests if they suspect a rare condition called renal glycosuria. In this condition, the kidneys release glucose into the urine even though your blood sugar levels are normal. The normal amount of urine in the blood is 0–0.8 mmol/L. Higher levels may also indicate a problem.
In conclusion, it becomes evident that understanding and managing glucose levels are important. Therefore, the diverse blood sugar tests discussed serve as invaluable tools in the journey of managing diabetes. Furthermore, having knowledge about the tests, individuals can make informed decisions, fostering a proactive approach to their health. Book your appointment at Aarthi Scans and Labs or visit your nearest center!