Healthcare providers encourage all individuals to have a fasting blood sugar test performed on an annual basis in conjunction with their physical. In fact, this practice is not only promoted in medical environments, but is also becoming a common component in workplace programs. The goal of this test is to not only promote awareness of current health and glucose levels. It also helps individuals take control of conditions such as diabetes, promotes early detection of illness and aids in regulating existing treatment.
An Indication of Health
Routine fasting blood sugar screens can provide physicians with a snapshot of an individual’s health, by helping to determine if glucose levels are within normal ranges. A fasting blood sugar is performed in the early morning, after not consuming food or beverages (except water) for at least 8 hours. Normal fasting blood sugar results fall between the range of 70 and 90 ml/dL, indicating the body is able to properly breakdown and use glucose. Any range over 100 ml/dL calls for a diagnosis of pre-diabetes of diabetes (depending on the exact result), and calls for immediate treatment. Results under 60 ml/dL indicate low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, which is less common – but can indicate the presence of an imbalanced diet, kidney and liver problems, hormonal imbalances, cancer, and insulin dependant tumors.
Detection of Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes
A fasting blood sugar test the primary screen used in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes. If an abnormal result is reported back to your healthcare provider, the test will be repeated for conformation. In addition to this, an A1c and/or oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) may be performed to obtain a greater overview of an individual’s current state of health.
Determining Control of High Blood Sugar
Individuals diagnosed with either pre-diabetes, type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes will require glucose screens be performed on a routine basis. For newly detected cases, the goal of repeating a FBS is to determine the effectiveness of treatment and determine if modifications are needed. For others, checking for high blood sugar can indicate changes in the bodies’ response to current treatment and can indicate if an individual has been non-compliant in their diabetes management.
Discovery of Low Sugar Levels
Hypoglycemia is not commonly detected during a fasting blood sugar test, and is usually the result of an individual skipping meals or eating an extremely unbalanced diet. However if low blood sugar levels appear on a FBS, further investigation will be performed by a healthcare provider to determine the potential causes.
By having a fasting blood sugar test performed on a regular basis, you are taking control of your health and stepping toward early detection. In diabetics, this screen is especially important because it indicates if treatment is beneficial, if it needs to be modified and can warn if the disease is being improperly managed.
