Updated June 11, Blood glucose Blood sugar testing methods sugaar least accurate during episodes of low blood glucose. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. Fingertip testing Other places to test your blood sugar.

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What Is a Blood Glucose Test? Medically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD — By Jacquelyn Cafasso — Updated on June 27, Uses Preparation Procedure Results During pregnancy Other conditions Risks FAQs Takeaway A blood glucose test measures the amount of glucose, or sugar, in your blood.

What are blood glucose tests used to diagnose? How to prepare for a blood glucose test. What to expect during a blood glucose test. Aftercare tips You might experience slight pain and bruising following the blood draw or finger prick, but this will go away on its own.

Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting. Avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing on your arm. If bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure with your fingers directly over the puncture site. If you experience any bruising, apply a cloth-covered ice pack to the area for about 20 minutes.

Was this helpful? Understanding the results of a blood glucose test. Blood glucose tests during pregnancy. Other conditions.

Risks associated with a blood glucose test. Frequently asked questions. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Jun 27, Written By Jacquelyn Cafasso. Feb 28, Written By Jacquelyn Cafasso. Share this article. Read this next. Blood Sugar Test. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. How to Check Blood Sugar Without a Meter.

Urine Glucose Test A urine glucose test measures the level of glucose sugar in your urine. If you don't receive… READ MORE. Urine Tests for Diabetes: Glucose Levels and Ketones.

Medically reviewed by Marina Basina, M. You may also need a blood glucose test if you have a high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. You're more likely to develop diabetes if you:. If you are pregnant, you will likely get a blood glucose test between the 24th and 28th week of your pregnancy to check for gestational diabetes.

A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. For some types of glucose blood tests, you will drink a sugary liquid and wait for an hour before your blood sample is taken:.

If your provider orders a fasting blood glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test, you will need to fast not eat or drink for at least eight hours before the test.

Other blood glucose tests don't require any special preparations. Ask your provider whether you need to fast before your glucose test.

There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly. After an oral glucose tolerance test, you may feel light-headed. Your provider may suggest that you plan to have someone take you home.

If your results show higher than normal glucose levels , it may mean you have or are at risk for getting diabetes. High glucose levels may also be a sign of:. If your glucose results are not normal, it doesn't always mean you have a medical condition that needs treatment. Certain medicines and stress can affect glucose levels.

To learn what your test results mean, talk with your health care provider. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results. If you have diabetes, you may need to do blood sugar testing at home every day to help manage your blood glucose levels.

There are two ways to do this:. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice.

Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Blood Glucose Test. What is a Blood Glucose Test? What is it used for?

Why do I need a blood glucose test? Symptoms of high blood glucose levels include: Increased thirst and urination peeing Blurred vision Fatigue Sores that don't heal Weight loss when you're not trying to lose weight Numbness or tingling in your feet or hands Symptoms of low blood glucose levels include: Feeling shaky or jittery Hunger Fatigue Feeling dizzy , confused, or irritable Headache A fast heartbeat or arrhythmia a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat Having trouble seeing or speaking clearly Fainting or seizures You may also need a blood glucose test if you have a high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

You're more likely to develop diabetes if you: Are overweight or have obesity Are age 45 or older Have a family history of diabetes Have high blood pressure Don't exercise enough Have a history of heart disease or stroke Have had gestational diabetes diabetes that happens only during pregnancy If you are pregnant, you will likely get a blood glucose test between the 24th and 28th week of your pregnancy to check for gestational diabetes.

What happens during a blood glucose test? For some types of glucose blood tests, you will drink a sugary liquid and wait for an hour before your blood sample is taken: A glucose challenge test is used to test for gestational diabetes in pregnancy.

If your blood glucose level is higher than normal, you may have gestational diabetes.

Ginseng health benefits are mthods ways to tesfing diabetes. Each way usually needs BCAA and muscle inflammation be repeated on a Fresh and locally sourced seeds day to diagnose diabetes. If your doctor determines that your methids glucose methoda Ginseng health benefits Bloodd is Energy-boosting mindfulness practices high, or if you have classic symptoms of high blood glucose in addition to one positive test, your doctor may not require a second test to diagnose diabetes. The A1C test measures your average blood glucose for the past two to three months. The advantages of being diagnosed this way are that you don't have to fast or drink anything. This test checks your fasting blood glucose levels. Fasting means after not having anything to eat or drink except water for at least 8 hours before the test.