In general, here's how the process works:
- Wash and dry your hands well. ...
- Insert a test strip into your meter.
- Prick the side of your fingertip with the needle (lancet) provided with your test kit.
- Touch and hold the edge of the test strip to the drop of blood.
- The meter will display your blood sugar level on a screen after a few seconds.
How often should you check your blood sugar?
You may need to test:
- Before meals and snacks
- Before and after exercise
- Before bed
- During the night (sometimes)
- More often if you're ill
- More often if you change your daily routine
- More often if you start a new medication
When should you check your sugars?
- When you first wake up (fasting)
- Before a meal
- Two hours after a meal
- At bedtime
How can you tell if your sugar level is high?
- Fatty liver
- Abdominal obesity. ...
- Hunger and cravings for sugar or carbohydrate rich foods. ...
- Elevated blood sugar. ...
- Acne and large pores on the face. ...
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Scalp hair loss in women in the male pattern (front and sides).
- Skin tags.
- Increased risk of gout. ...
- Acanthosis nigricans - look at this picture of what this skin condition looks like
How do you test your blood sugar level at home?
Your healthcare team will show you how to do it the first time, but these are the key steps:
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water. ...
- Take a test strip and slot it into the meter to turn it on. ...
- Remove the cap from your finger prick device and put in a new lancet. ...
- Choose which finger to prick but avoid your thumb or index finger (finger next to your thumb). ...
- Take your meter with the test strip and hold it against the drop of blood. ...
See more
Is fasting required for sugar test?
Glucose tests, which measure blood sugar. One type of glucose test is called a glucose tolerance test. For this test you will need to fast for 8 hours before test.
How long does a sugar test take?
The test is done in two steps. First you drink a sugary solution. One hour later, your blood sugar level is measured. The results indicate whether you might have gestational diabetes.
How is sugar diabetes tested?
From Your Fingertip: You prick your finger with a small, sharp needle (called a lancet) and put a drop of blood on a test strip. Then you put the test strip into a meter that shows your blood sugar level. You get results in less than 15 seconds and can store this information for future use.
When should I take blood sugar test?
When to test blood sugarBefore each meal.1 or 2 hours after a meal.Before a bedtime snack.In the middle of the night.Before physical activity, to see if you need a snack.During and after physical activity.If you think your blood sugar might be too high, too low or falling.When you're sick or under stress.
What is a normal blood sugar?
A fasting blood sugar level less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) is normal. A fasting blood sugar level from 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) is considered prediabetes. If it's 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests, you have diabetes.
What is the maximum level of sugar?
Glucose tolerance test Then you'll drink the sugary liquid, and have your blood sugar tested 1 hour later, 2 hours later, and possibly 3 hours later. At the 2-hour mark, a normal blood sugar is considered to be 140 mg/dL or lower, while 140-199 mg/dL indicates prediabetes and 200 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
What is the cost of sugar test?
It is a simple and quick test widely available at all diagnostic centres. The price usually ranges from Rs 50 to Rs 150. However, mostly the price is around Rs 100.
What are the symptoms of blood sugar?
Diabetes SymptomsUrinate (pee) a lot, often at night.Are very thirsty.Lose weight without trying.Are very hungry.Have blurry vision.Have numb or tingling hands or feet.Feel very tired.Have very dry skin.More items...
What are the symptoms of high blood sugar?
Symptoms of hyperglycaemia include:increased thirst and a dry mouth.needing to pee frequently.tiredness.blurred vision.unintentional weight loss.recurrent infections, such as thrush, bladder infections (cystitis) and skin infections.
How can I test my blood sugar at home without a machine?
How to Test Your Blood Sugar at HomeWash and dry your hands well.Insert a test strip into your meter.Prick the side of your fingertip with the lancet provided with your test kit.Gently squeeze or massage your finger until a drop of blood forms.Touch and hold the edge of the test strip to the drop of blood.More items...•
What is the name of sugar test?
The A1C test is a blood test that provides information about your average levels of blood glucose, also called blood sugar, over the past 3 months. The A1C test can be used to diagnose type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.
Can I test myself for diabetes?
Home testing kits bought over the counter can't diagnose diabetes. Neither can testing equipment used by people with diabetes, like blood glucose meters. They will show only your blood sugar levels at the moment you test.
What is a normal blood sugar 2 hours after eating?
What Are Normal Blood Sugar Levels? They're less than 100 mg/dL after not eating (fasting) for at least 8 hours. And they're less than 140 mg/dL 2 hours after eating. During the day, levels tend to be at their lowest just before meals.
How do you feel if you fail a glucose test?
Glucose testing and screening is very low risk. As with any blood draw, there is a slight risk of: Feeling lightheaded or fainting. Excessive bleeding.
What should my blood sugar be 4 hours after eating?
If you're generally healthy or are properly managing your diabetes, your blood glucose should fall between 90 and 130 milligrams per deciliter four hours after eating. If you do not have diabetes, your sugar could even go as high as 140 milligrams per deciliter after meals.
How do I prepare for my 1 hour glucose test?
DO NOT eat or drink anything (other than sips of water) for 8 to 14 hours before your test. (You also cannot eat during the test.) You will be asked to drink a liquid that contains glucose, 100 grams (g) . You will have blood drawn before you drink the liquid, and again 3 more times every 60 minutes after you drink it.
Why Test Your Blood Sugar
Blood sugar testing — or self-monitoring blood glucose — provides useful information for diabetes management. It can help you: 1. Judge how well yo...
When to Test Your Blood Sugar
Your doctor will advise you how often you should check your blood sugar level. In general, the frequency of testing depends on the type of diabetes...
What If You Have A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)?
People treated with insulin, particularly those with type 1 diabetes, may also choose to use a CGM. These devices measure your blood sugar every fe...
How to Test Your Blood Sugar
Blood sugar testing requires the use of a small electronic device called a glucometer. The meter reads the amount of sugar in a small sample of blo...
Avoiding Problems With Meter Usage
Blood sugar meters need to be used and maintained properly. Follow these tips to ensure proper usage: 1. Follow the user manual for your device — p...
Why test your blood sugar
Blood sugar testing provides useful information for diabetes management. It can help you:
When to test your blood sugar
Your doctor will let you know how often to check your blood sugar levels. The frequency of testing usually depends on the type of diabetes you have and your treatment plan.
Type 1 diabetes
Your doctor may recommend blood sugar testing four to 10 times a day if you have type 1 diabetes. You may need to test:
Type 2 diabetes
If you take insulin to manage type 2 diabetes, your doctor may recommend blood sugar testing several times a day, depending on the type and amount of insulin you use. Testing is usually recommended before meals and at bedtime if you're taking multiple daily injections.
What if you have a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)?
A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a device that measures your blood sugar every few minutes using a sensor inserted under the skin.
Know your target range
Ask your doctor what a reasonable blood sugar range is for you. Your doctor will set target blood sugar test results based on several factors, including:
How to test your blood sugar
Blood sugar testing requires the use of a blood sugar meter. The meter measures the amount of sugar in a small sample of blood, usually from your fingertip, that you place on a disposable test strip. Even if you use a CGM, you'll still need a blood sugar meter to calibrate your CGM device daily.
Normal results
The implications of your results will depend on the type of blood glucose test used. For a fasting test, a normal blood glucose level is between 70 and 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). For a random blood glucose test, a normal level is usually under 125 mg/dL. However, the exact level will depend on when you last ate.
Abnormal results
If you had a fasting blood glucose test, the following results are abnormal and indicate you may have either prediabetes or diabetes:
What is a blood glucose test?
A blood glucose test is a blood test that screens for diabetes by measuring the level of glucose (sugar) in a person’s blood.
Who is most at risk for developing diabetes?
The following categories of people are considered "high-risk" candidates for developing diabetes:
How can one tell if I have diabetes by examining my blood?
Your body converts sugar, also called glucose, into energy so your body can function. The sugar comes from the foods you eat and is released from storage from your body’s own tissues.
How do I prepare for the plasma glucose level test and how are the results interpreted?
To get an accurate plasma glucose level, you must have fasted (not eaten or had anything to drink except water) for at least 8 hours prior to the test. When you report to the clinic or laboratory, a small sample of blood will be taken from a vein in your arm.
Tests for Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, and Prediabetes
Your doctor will have you take one or more of the following blood tests to confirm the diagnosis:
Tests for Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is diagnosed using blood tests. You’ll probably be tested between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. If your risk is higher for getting gestational diabetes (due to having more risk factors), your doctor may test you earlier.
Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
If your test results show you have prediabetes, ask your doctor or nurse if there is a lifestyle change program offered through the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program in your community. You can also search for an online or in-person program.
Diabetes Treatment Plan
If your test results show you have type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, talk with your doctor or nurse about a detailed treatment plan—including diabetes self-management education and support services —and specific steps you can take to be your healthiest.
Overview
The glucose tolerance test, also known as the oral glucose tolerance test, measures your body's response to sugar (glucose). The glucose tolerance test can be used to screen for type 2 diabetes.
Why it's done
The glucose tolerance test identifies abnormalities in the way your body handles glucose after a meal — often before your fasting blood glucose level becomes abnormal.
Risks
The risks associated with obtaining a blood sample are slight. After your blood is drawn, you may experience bruising or bleeding. You may also feel dizzy or lightheaded. In some cases, infection after your procedure is possible.
How you prepare
It's important to eat and drink normally in the days leading up to the glucose tolerance test. Let your doctor know if you're ill or taking any medications, as these factors can affect the results of your test.
What you can expect
For eight hours before the test, you won't be able to eat or drink anything. You might want to fast overnight and schedule the test for early the following morning.
Results
Results of the oral glucose tolerance test are given in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L).
Clinical trials
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Overview
Fasting blood sugar is a simple, common blood test to screen for diabetes, prediabetes or gestational diabetes (during pregnancy). It’s also called a fasting blood glucose test.
Test Details
Blood sugar, or glucose, is the main sugar found in your blood. When you eat or drink, your body breaks down carbohydrates in the food or liquid into sugar for energy.
Results and Follow-Up
Results of a fasting blood glucose test are usually available quickly, within days or hours.
Additional Details
There are kits that allow you to test your blood sugar at home. But they should not be used to diagnose diabetes.
Overview
The A1C test is a common blood test used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes. If you're living with diabetes, the test is also used to monitor how well you're managing blood sugar levels. The A1C test is also called the glycated hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test.
Why it's done
The results of an A1C test can help your doctor or other health care provider:
How you prepare
The A1C test is a simple blood test. You don't need to fast for the A1C test, so you can eat and drink normally before the test.
What you can expect
During the A1C test, a member of your health care team takes a blood sample by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm or pricking your finger tip with a small, pointed lancet. If the blood is taken from a vein, the blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
Results
A1C test results are reported as a percentage. A higher A1C percentage corresponds to higher average blood sugar levels. Results for a diagnosis are interpreted as follows:
Clinical trials
Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions.
