Fasting Blood Sugar Test

A fasting blood sugar test is a very simple as well as one of the least expensive blood tests. A fasting blood sugar test is also known as fasting blood glucose test, fasting blood test, fasting plasma glucose or FPG test. This blood test is generally ordered by a physician to measure blood glucose levels after one has gone without food for at least 8 hours. It helps in measuring blood sugar levels and diagnosing diabetes.

Principle Behind Fasting Blood Sugar Test
You must be wondering how does fasting blood test help determine blood sugar levels. The logic behind this test is pretty simple. When one is fasting or abstaining themselves from food, the pancreas produce a hormone called glucagon. This hormone stimulates the liver to release blood sugar into the bloodstream. When one does not suffer from diabetes, the body will produce insulin to prevent hyperglycemia. This means, the high blood sugar levels in the body will remain in control. But, if the body is unable to produce the required levels of insulin, then the fasting blood sugar levels will remain very high. The test also helps eliminate any doubts that the sugars levels are not due to the food consumed by the person. As the person is fasting, the body must have used up all the sugars present in the body after food consumption. Thus, indicating presence of diabetes.

Procedure for Fasting Blood Sugar Test
You do not need to worry much about the fasting blood test. This test is carried out in a simple way. All you need to do is not eat anything for minimum 8 to 12 hours before the test. You should also avoid drinking tea, coffee and other beverages as it may affect your fasting blood sugar levels. However, it is better to verify what you can and should not consume with lab before fasting. That is the reason why fasting blood tests are performed early in the morning. Diabetics may be asked not to use insulin injections till the tests are performed.

The fasting blood sugar test is performed by withdrawing blood from the vein in your arm. This blood is then sent to the lab for further evaluation. The blood test results are divided into three categories: diabetic, pre-diabetic and normal fasting blood sugar.

Results for Fasting Blood Sugar Test
The normal fasting blood sugar levels is about 70 to 100 mg/dl (5.6 mmol/l). If your fasting blood sugar test results are within the normal range, it means you do not suffer from diabetes. If the fasting blood sugar levels are around 101 to 126 mg/dl (5.6 - 7 mmol/l), it indicates pre-diabetic phase or impaired glucose tolerance. If the fasting blood test result is more than 126 mg/dl (7 mmol/l), it indicates presence of diabetes.

Those with fasting blood sugar test result within the pre-diabetic range, will be advised by the doctor to refrain from eating a lot of sweets. They may be asked to alter their diet and cut down on the sugar levels to avoid developing diabetes. They still have not got diabetes, but a little bit of care will help prevent development of the disease in the near future. Those diagnosed with diabetes, will be asked to refrain from sugar based foods totally. They may be advised a high blood sugar diet and in some cases may be asked to begin with insulin injections. It is very important to monitor your blood sugar level to keep diabetes and symptoms of diabetes in control.

Each case is different, so is the line of treatment for diabetes. Fasting blood sugar test helps the doctor find evidence related to the high or low glucose levels. If the fasting blood sugar levels are below 70 mg/dL, it indicates hypoglycemia. This means the level blood sugar is dangerously low and needs to be increased up to the normal level. Whatever are your results, you should speak to a doctor for advise. A blood sugar test not only helps diagnose diabetes, but also helps in ways to prevent it. Change is lifestyle and a diabetic diet will help keep your blood sugar levels in control. If you wish to avoid other health complications, it is very important to keep diabetes in check. Hope the above information on fasting blood sugar test has helped you understand this blood test properly.