Contents:
Medical Video: What is a normal blood sugar level?
Definition
What is fasting blood sugar (fasting blood glucose)?
Blood glucose tests function to measure blood sugar levels called glucose. Glucose comes from foods that contain carbohydrates which function as a source of energy for the body. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body's cells to utilize glucose. Insulin is produced in the pancreas which is then released in the blood when glucose levels increase. Usually your glucose levels will increase slightly after you eat. This increase in glucose causes the pancreas to release insulin so that your blood sugar level is not high. Blood sugar levels that are too high can damage your eyes, kidneys and blood vessels.
A fasting blood sugar test will be done after you have fasted for 8 hours.
When should I undergo fasting blood sugar (fasting blood glucose)?
Your doctor will recommend you take this test if you experience symptoms of diabetes. The doctor may also advise patients with diabetes to do this test. This test will also be done if you:
- frequent urination than usual
- blurred vision
- confused and talking slurred
- fainted
- convulsions (for the first time)
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing fasting blood sugar (fasting blood glucose)?
Glucose levels in urine can also be measured. Diabetics have glucose in the urine they release. If there is glucose in the urine, then the glucose level in the blood must be very high. In this case, a glucose test in the urine cannot be done to diagnose or monitor diabetes. If you have diabetes, you can measure your blood glucose level at home.
Process
What should I do before undergoing fasting blood sugar (fasting blood glucose)?
This test is one of the tests carried out to diagnose glucose levels in the blood. You are required to fast for 8 hours before your blood sample is taken. If you are positive for diabetes, you may be asked to wait a while before you are given medication in the form of morning insulin. Then you will take a series of tests that do not require you to fast.
How to process fasting blood sugar (fasting blood glucose)?
The medical personnel who are in charge of taking your blood will take the following steps:
- wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop the blood flow. This makes the blood vessels under the bond enlarge making it easier to inject needles into the vessels
- clean the part to be injected with alcohol
- inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be needed.
- attach the tube to the syringe to fill it with blood
- remove the ties from your arms when taking blood is enough
- attach gauze or cotton to the injected part, after the injection is finished
- put pressure on the part and then put on a bandage
What should I do after undergoing fasting blood sugar (fasting blood glucose)?
Elastic ties are wrapped around your upper arm and will feel tight. You may not feel anything when injected, or you may feel like being stung or pinched. You may release plaster and cotton in the injection area after 20 to 30 minutes. Then you will be informed about the results of the test. Make sure you follow the directions from the doctor.
Explanation of Test Results
What do the test results mean?
Normal test results known as "reference range" only function as a guide. This reference range is usually different in each laboratory. Your test results will usually follow a reference range guide from the laboratory in question.
Normal glucose levels are usually less than or equal to 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg / dL) (5.6 millimoles per liter or mmol / L).
High yield
You may be diabetes positive.
Other conditions that can also cause glucose levels to increase such as:
- severe stress
- heart attack
- stroke
- Cushing's syndrome
- drugs like corticosteroids
- excess production of growth hormone (acromegaly)
Low results
Glucose levels less than 40 mg / dL (2.2 mmol / L) in women or less than 50 mg / dL (2.8 mmol / L) in men followed by symptoms of hypoglycemia can cause insulinoma, a tumor that produces insulin in amounts that do not normal.
Low glucose levels can also be caused by:
- Addison's disease
- decreased thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
- tumor in the pituitary gland
- liver disease, for example cirrhosis
- kidney failure
- malnutrition or eating problems, such as anorexia
- medicines for treating diabetes
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
