Fasting blood glucose level is a separate test done, so as to attain accurate test results for the glucose test. It is also known as Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test. This is used to diagnose diabetes in patients. This involves a proper fast before getting the blood test done. It is considered to be relatively inexpensive and also helps you study the functioning of the insulin in the body.
It is believed that by prolonging any type of fast, a hormone called glycogen is produced by the pancreas, which will increase the levels of glucose in the body. To neutralize the high levels of glucose, the body produces insulin. This production of insulin prevents the body from going into the hyperglycemia condition. On the contrary, if the body cannot produce enough glucose content, then the body has high fasting blood sugar levels.
How is the Test Conducted?
The test consists of a simple blood test. The only major condition which has to be followed is prior to the test you should fast for around 12-14 hrs. Because of this fast, the test is generally conducted in the morning. As after dinner it approximately takes us more than 12 hours to have our next meal. So, technically the body is in fasting mode. Therefore, it is very appropriate to have the blood test in the morning.
How to Understand the Results?
Basically, the test is completely oriented to knowing the glucose levels. So, the most important aspect which is considered is the amount of glucose that is there in the body. The diagnosis is measured in the following way:
- In FPG, 70mg/dL to 99 mg/dL is considered to be the normal range.
- Anything between 100mg/dL to 126mg/dL is considered to be pre-diabetic.
- When the reading is above 126 mg/dL, that means the patient is diagnosed with diabetes.
1 Comment
The information is for my mother who has a fasting sugar higher than 150 currently. Since her BP is also varying we are a little worried. Can you suggest the diet to control her current levels.