Blood Glucose Fasting and Post Prandial
Blood Glucose Fasting and Post Prandial
Diabetes is a chronic condition that is characterized by elevated blood glucose/sugar levels for longer periods which may lead to serious health disorders such as hypertension, kidney diseases, heart diseases, eye diseases, etc.
Fasting Blood glucose (FBS) and post-prandial blood glucose (PPBS) are the blood sugar tests that measures the levels of sugars in the blood. The results from these tests determine whether one has diabetes or not.
Glucose is a simple sugar that serves as the main fuel for the production of energy in the body.
What is Fasting Blood glucose (FBS) and post-prandial blood glucose (PPBS) tests used for?
FBS, PPBS and RBS (Random Blood Sugar) are used to determine:
• Risk of diabetes
• Diabetes management
• Diabetes treatment response
• Levels of blood sugar in the body
Symptoms of Diabetes
Feeling thirsty very often
Feeling hungry often
Fatigue
Urinating a lot
Losing weight without efforts
Numbing or tingling of hands and feet
Slow healing of any cuts or wounds
Having infections more than usual
Dry skin
Blurred vision
Who should get tested?
Age over 45 years
Prediabetes
Overweight or obese
Family history of diabetes
High cholesterol
High Blood Pressure
Heart diseases
Gestational diabetes
Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Test preparation
A fasting blood sugar test requires an individual to fast at least for about 8 – 10 hours before taking the test. Post-prandial blood glucose test requires an individual to have a proper meal 2 hours before taking the test.
For each of the two tests, your healthcare provider will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm and collect a few mL of blood into a sterile test tube.
Please talk to your healthcare provider if you are on any medications
Interpretation of the Test Results
Interpretation of test results:
|
Results |
Fasting blood sugar (mg/dl) |
Post-prandial blood sugar (mg/dl) |
|
Normal |
70-100 |
140 and below |
|
Pre-diabetes |
100-125 |
140-199 |
|
Diabetes |
126 and above |
200 and above |
Deviations from normal levels indicates the following:
Your results may indicate you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it if they show higher than normal glucose levels. In addition, high glucose levels could indicate:
• Hyperthyroidism
• Pancreas disorders
• Stress following surgery, a life-threatening illness, or trauma
If you have diabetes, your blood glucose levels may be lower than normal for a variety of reasons, including:
• Eating insufficiently, particularly after taking diabetes medication
• Exercising more frequently than usual
Low blood sugar levels without diabetes may indicate:
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• A hypoactive thyroid, pituitary, or adrenal gland (hypothyroidism)
• Addiction to alcohol
A medical condition that requires treatment may not always be present if your glucose results are not normal. Stress and particular medications can both impact glucose levels. Speak to your healthcare provider to find out what your test results mean
FAQs
Do I have pre-diabetes if my fasting blood sugar is 102 mg/dl?
You are considered to have pre-diabetes when either:
• You have a fasting blood glucose level of 100 to 125 mg/dl, or
• Your Post-prandial blood glucose/random blood glucose is between 140 and 199 mg/dl.
How can I manage my blood sugar levels?
To manage blood sugar levels, one needs to have a plan of action. It includes,
• Keep a close watch on sugar levels on a regular basis
• Pay attention to blood pressure
• Keep a check on cholesterol levels
• Exercise regularly
Consume proper diet
Can I know my average blood sugar levels?
Yes, by undergoing an HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) test one can know the average of their blood sugar levels over the past three months. It helps in diagnosing type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes are recommended to take HbA1c test in every 3 to 6 months to keep a close watch on their blood sugar levels
Can I drink coffee before fasting blood sugar test?
No, not even black coffee should be consumed before taking fasting blood sugar test. If it is necessary, then you can consume plain water before the test
What are the best foods to lower my blood sugar?
A meal plan must be tailored according to an individual's specific needs. Testing your glucose levels at different times of the day will show you how your foods are affecting your levels. Eat high fibre foods, drink lots of water, and focus on eating veggies, legumes, and fish