For those who are experiencing diabetes symptoms, one way to know if you have the said medical condition is to take the Fasting Blood Sugar Test. It is a kind of blood test that measures the blood sugar level after a period of fasting, which is usually at least 8 hours. This particular blood sugar test is considered to be the most accurate because it cannot be easily influenced by recent food intake.
Why Fast?
Fasting Glucose Level Test commonly known as the Fasting Blood Sugar Test (FBS), is the commonly used method to diagnose diabetes and monitor one’s blood glucose level. But why does one need to go on fasting before taking the test?
Eating food affects our body’s glucose level, insulin production, and lipid level, which is why fasting for a short period of time is recommended to minimize drastic changes in blood sugar and lipid levels.
Why fast at night and take the test in the morning?
Fasting at night is very advisable because first, it won’t disrupt your day’s routine which usually includes eating. Second, fasting at night helps doctors get the correct diagnosis. This is because, at night or early morning, the body secretes hormones that stimulate our body and prepare it for the day ahead. These hormones affect our body’s plasma glucose level, whereas the body of a person without diabetes will produce enough insulin level to rebalance the increase in blood glucose. Now a person with diabetes either doesn’t produce enough insulin or is unable to use it effectively to rebalance blood sugar. This is why when a Fasting Blood Sugar Test is administered in the morning, people with diabetes tend to have a higher blood sugar level than those who do not have diabetes.
Dos and Don’ts Before Taking the Fasting Blood Sugar Test
Here are some dos and don’ts that must be observed before taking the Fasting Blood Sugar Test to ensure the accuracy of the test results:
- Fast. Don’t eat or drink anything except water for at least 8 hours before the FBS Test.
- Schedule your test in the morning.
- Take the test before morning meals.
- Refrain from consuming alcohol, chewing gum, or any form of sugar or sweetener.
How is it done?
The Glucose blood test is done by collecting a small amount of blood sample either from the finger or from a vein. Then, the blood sample is brought to the laboratory to be analyzed.
Readings and Test Results
FBS test results are categorized into three different levels to easily differentiate FBS test results.
- Test results with a glucose level of 70 to 90 mg/dL may indicate a normal glucose level
- Test results with a glucose level of 100 to 125 mg/dL are considered to be an impaired result and can indicate a pre-diabetic health condition.
- Test results with a glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher may indicate diabetes. However, this kind of test result may need a follow-up test to confirm the diagnosis.
How to Reduce Blood Sugar Level before FBS Test
The best way to bring down the fasting blood sugar level is to reduce the post-meal blood sugars. By eating protein snacks or adding ½ tsp. of cinnamon to your post-fasting meal, you’ll be able to give your body an opportunity to produce enough insulin to lower your fasting blood sugars.
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