What is a blood sugar test?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was consulted professionally with Master, Doctor Do Thi Hoang Ha - Doctor of Biochemistry - Laboratory of Laboratory - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Glucose (also known as sugar) in the blood is the main source of energy for the body's activities. Normally, the amount of glucose in the blood is always at a constant range to maintain the process of functioning and metabolism in the body, but there are times when an abnormal increase in glucose is a sign of a medical condition such as diabetes. . The blood sugar test index will help to specifically assess the sugar level in the body as well as support the diagnosis of metabolic problems that the body is at risk of having.

1. What is a blood sugar test?

A blood glucose test is a test done to measure the amount of glucose in the body's blood, done mainly to check for type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Normal glycemic index is considered safe to ensure:
73.8-126 mg/dl (4.1 - 7.0 mmol/l) for fasting blood glucose Less than 200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l) after eating From 110-150 mg/dl (6-8.3 mmol/l) at bedtime Blood glucose readings as shown by a fasting blood glucose test (test performed after requiring minimal fasting) for at least 8 hours) will be under the influence of insulin, a hormone secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas and released into the bloodstream when glucose levels are high. For some reason, the body does not produce enough insulin (the beta cells of the pancreas are destroyed in type I diabetes) or the body is resistant to insulin (common in type II diabetes). This will cause blood sugar levels to rise uncontrollably for a long time, which can cause complications in the eyes, kidneys, nerves and blood vessels.

2. Types of blood sugar tests

In fact, there are different types of blood sugar tests to assist doctors in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes including:
Fasting blood sugar test: Conducted when the patient has fasted. at least 8 hours and is the first test to diagnose diabetes 2 hours postprandial blood sugar test: Taken exactly 2 hours after eating. This is not a diagnostic test but a test to check that a person with diabetes is taking the correct amount of insulin required with a meal. Random blood sugar test: Can be done at any time, unrelated to the meal. The test may be performed several times a day and is considered abnormal if there is large variation between test results during the day Oral glucose tolerance test : This is a test used to diagnose prediabetes diabetes, diabetes and even gestational diabetes. After taking fasting blood, patients will drink a certain amount of sugar (75g sugar), and samples will be taken 2 hours later (for non-pregnant people) and samples will be taken at 1 hour and 2 hours after drinking sugar (for those who are not pregnant). pregnant women). Blood HbA1c test: This is a test to determine the amount of glucose combined with red blood cells that can be used to diagnose diabetes or evaluate treatment for patients being treated for diabetes, see if the disease is well controlled. or not

3. Fasting blood sugar test for diabetes

The results of the fasting blood sugar test have an important role in the diagnosis of diabetes, specifically as follows:
The participant has a normal test if the blood sugar is less than 6.0 mmol/l The participant has a sugar disorder. Fasting blood sugar (or a form of prediabetes) will have a blood sugar reading of 6.1-6.9 mmol/l A participant has diabetes if the test reading is greater than 7.0 mmol/l

4. How to prepare for blood sugar tests?

Blood sugar test is divided into 2 types: fasting blood sugar test and any blood sugar test
For fasting blood sugar test the patient needs to fast for at least 8 hours before the test, only drink water. To avoid fasting all day, the patient should be tested in the morning. For any blood sugar test, the patient does not need to prepare anything.
For both types of tests, blood glucose levels can be affected by factors such as:
Stress from surgery, trauma, stroke or heart attack Drinking alcohol, smoking, drinking high in caffeine Some medications affect blood glucose levels

At Vinmec International General Hospital, we always deploy a screening package for diabetes and dyslipidemia to help detect pre-diabetes early, accurately classify diabetes type, develop a nutritional regimen, according to the guidelines. Monitor to reduce the risk and complications caused by diabetes.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers when choosing to perform tests here can be completely assured of the accuracy of test results.

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