
GLUCOSE FASTING PLASMA & URINE
GLUCOSE FASTING PLASMA & URINE
A fasting blood (plasma) glucose test measures the amount of glucose in blood at a given time. To ensure accurate results, avoid eating or drinking anything other than water for about 8- 10 hours before undergoing the test. A blood test on an empty stomach in the morning is recommended to obtain an accurate value. Â
A glucose fasting urine test determines the level of glucose in the given urine sample. Glucose provides energy for the body cells. In normal individuals, glucose is not excreted through the urine. If the level of glucose in the blood is high, kidneys will eliminate excess glucose through the urine, which indicates the risk of having diabetes. Thus, this test is recommended to diagnose the risk of developing diabetes
Symptoms of diabetes

Feeling more thirsty than usual

Urinating often

Weight loss

Feeling tired and weak

Having blurry vision

Having slow-healing wounds

Getting more infections

Having numb/ tingling hands or feet

Having dry skin
Who should get tested?
Glucose fasting plasma and urine tests are recommended if the following risk factors are present

Age over 35 years

Obese or overweight individuals

High cholesterol

High blood pressure/hypertension

Prediabetes

Gestational diabetes

Family history of diabetes
Test preparation
This test requires a person to fast (no food or drink, except water) overnight for at least 10 to 12 hours before undergoing the test
Interpretation of the Test Results
Interpretation of results Â
Fasting Blood Sugar (mg/dL) |
Result indicated |
Less than 99 or lower |
Normal |
Between 100-125 |
Pre-diabetes |
126 and above |
Diabetes |
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Fasting Urine sugar in millimoles per litre (or) milligrams per decilitre
Normal range of glucose in urine: 0 to 0.8 mmol/l (0 to 15 mg/dL).
Deviations from normal levels indicate the following:
·      Fasting blood sugar between 100-125 mg/dL indicates pre-diabetes. This implies that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Your healthcare provider may recommend you to repeat this test every year or two.
·      Blood sugar levels above 126mg/dL may indicate diabetes. In such cases, you may be asked to repeat the test by your healthcare provider, just to be certain.
High glucose levels might mean you suffer from either of these conditions- hyperthyroidism, a disorder of the thyroid gland, stress due to surgery, or a life-threatening illness or trauma.
·      Fasting urine glucose test is a screening test. It cannot diagnose a particular medical condition. If the level of glucose is more in your urine, your healthcare provider may request you to undergo a blood test to confirm the diagnosis.
 If the level of glucose is higher than normal, it could be a sign of various kidney diseases like Fanconi syndrome and renal glycosuria, apart from diabetes
FAQs
How is a blood sample collected for glucose fasting plasma and urine test?
For glucose fasting plasma and urine test, the samples collected are blood and urine. For a blood sample, a healthcare professional will take a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle, which is then collected in a test tube or vial. This procedure takes no longer than five minutes
How is a urine sample collected for glucose fasting plasma and urine test?
The urine sample for glucose fasting and urine test is collected by using the clean catch procedure, which is the collection of urine by washing your hands and cleaning your genitalia with a cleanser. After that, begin urinating into a sterile cup provided by the doctor, which is then sent to the laboratory for analysis. This is the commonly used sample collection method for adults
What are the risks associated with the glucose fasting plasma and urine test?
There are no known risks associated with this test. During a blood test, one may experience minor pain or bruising where the needle was inserted, but most symptoms will subside quickly. For urine collection, one may experience discomfort if your doctor uses a catheter for sample collection
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the glucose fasting plasma and urine test?
Test results of glucose fasting plasma and urine tests are usually available within the same day of sample collection. Test results might be mailed or made available online through health portals. Your doctor might also contact you by phone or email to review your test findings or arrange a follow-up appointment
Can I drink coffee before glucose fasting and urine test?
No, not even black coffee should be consumed before taking a fasting blood sugar and urine test. If it is necessary, then you can consume plain water without any additions before the test