Blood sugar test is generally conducted when a doctor suspects that the patient could be suffering from diabetes (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It may also be performed to check the progress of medications for controlling sugar levels and overall treatment goals. Ace medical professional Dr. Pratibha Karande runs us through this important test and its significance. Enlighten yourself!
What is blood sugar test?
As the name suggests, blood sugar test is the evaluation of sugar level in our blood.
What are the types of blood sugar test?
There are different ways of performing the blood sugar test:
- Blood fasting test: The patient needs to fast for at least 8 hours before his blood is collected for testing
- Postprandial test (PT): The patient needs to go for the test after having his lunch, following which his sugar level will be tested
- Random blood sugar test: The patient can give his blood for testing at any given point of time and randomly the sugar level in his body will be checked
- HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) test: It is the latest form of blood sugar test which most doctors prescribe for known diabetic patients. This particular test provides the precise detection of blood sugar for the last 3 months
Why to perform blood sugar test?
- For the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus or type 1 diabetes mellitus
- To rule out the presence of diabetes mellitus in the body if there is a family history of diabetes or associated diseases
- As a routine test of general profile or general health profile for the patient
