Blood glucose tests

Dr Anuja Mahajan explains the importance of the fasting, postprandial and the HbA1c blood glucose tests.

- 

Glucose is necessary for the functioning of the body. It provides energy and helps in the proper functioning of different body parts. Presence of normal blood glucose level is important for the sustenance of the body. When blood glucose levels are consistently high for a significant period, Diabetes occurs.

Types of blood glucose tests

Blood glucose test is recommended to test the amount of glucose present in the body. When the blood glucose levels rise in the body, the pancreas produce insulin which processes the glucose and manages glucose levels. Normally when food is taken, there is a slight increase in the blood glucose levels. These increased levels are managed by insulin production from the pancreas. When the insulin secretion is impaired, blood glucose levels rise to abnormal levels. This results in Diabetes.

To diagnose if a person has Diabetes following tests are recommended:

Fasting blood glucose test

Fasting blood glucose test is performed to see the blood glucose levels after overnight fasting. This test is often recommended first to look for prediabetes and Diabetes. The normal value for fasting blood glucose level is less than 100 mg/dL. A person is diagnosed of prediabetes if he or she has a fasting blood glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/Dl. If the blood glucose levels are more than 125 mg/dL, a person is diagnosed with Diabetes.

Postprandial hyperglycaemia