The blood glucose test accurately measures the amount of glucose in your blood. Glucose, a type of simple sugar, is the body’s main source of energy. Thus, your body turns the carbohydrates you consume into glucose. Testing for glucose levels is extremely important for people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Diabetes is a condition that causes increased blood glucose levels, but even in those who have not been diagnosed with this condition, the test is vital, and here’s why.
The amount of sugar in yourr blood is usually controlled by a hormone called insulin. However, if you have diabetes, your body does not produce enough insulin, or it does not work properly. This causes the accumulation of sugar in the blood. Increased blood sugar levels can lead to serious organ damage if left untreated.
Diabetes and glucose test in the blood
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and adolescents who are unable to produce enough insulin. It is a chronic or long-term condition requiring continuous treatment. Type 1 diabetes with prolonged onset has been shown to affect people aged between 30 and 40 years.
Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed in adults, mainly overweight and obese, but can also develop in young people. This condition occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or when the insulin it produces does not work properly. The impact of type 2 diabetes can be reduced by weight loss and healthy eating.
Gestational diabetes can occur during pregnancy, but usually disappears immediately after birth. A high level of glucose in a person with diabetes can mean that the disease is not properly treated.
Other possible causes of high blood glucose levels include:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prediabet, which occurs when you are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes
- Stress due to illness, trauma or surgery
- Using various drugs, such as steroids
In rare cases, high blood sugar levels may be a sign of a hormonal disorder called acromegaly or Cushing’s syndrome, which occurs when the body produces too much cortisol. However, this is not as common.
Low blood sugar or hypoglycaemia may be caused by:
- Excessive insulin deficiency
- Hunger
- Hypopituitarism or underactive pituitary gland
- Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid
- Addison’s disease, which is characterized by low levels of cortisol
- Alcohol abuse
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
How to Prepare for a Blood Test
Before doing a blood glucose level test, you can only consume water for up to eight hours before the test. It is preferable to schedule the glucose test in the morning.
Before the test, tell your doctor about the medications you are currently on, including prescriptions, non-prescription medicines, and herbal supplements. Certain medicines can affect your blood glucose levels. Your doctor may ask you to discontinue a given drug or change the dose before performing the test.
Medicines that can affect your blood glucose include:
- Corticosteroids
- Diuretics
- Contraceptive
- Hormonal therapy
- Aspirin
- Lithium
- Epinephrine (adrenaline)
- Phenytoin
- Severe stress can also cause a temporary increase in blood sugar
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