Description of the Analysis: 

Glucose is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) that serves as the primary source of energy for all cells in the human body, especially the brain and nervous system. The body maintains blood glucose levels within a narrow range through a complex interplay of hormones, primarily insulin (which lowers it) and glucagon (which raises it). Measuring glucose is the most direct way to screen for, diagnose, and monitor the treatment of diabetes and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

What Does the Analysis Represent?

• Goal: To determine if your blood sugar level is within a healthy range at a specific point in time.
• Main Application: Screening for Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes; monitoring prediabetes; and investigating symptoms of low blood sugar.
• Metabolic Process: It reflects the body’s ability to process carbohydrates and the efficiency of the pancreas in producing insulin.

Recommendations for the Test (General)

• Fasting: Mandatory. You must not eat or drink anything (except water) for at least 8 to 12 hours before the blood draw. Even a small piece of gum or black coffee can trigger a hormonal response that alters the baseline result.
• Timing: Morning collection is preferred to establish a standardized fasting baseline.
• Material: Venous blood (plasma or serum).

What Can Affect the Results?

• Diet: Consuming sugary foods or alcohol 24 hours before the test can lead to elevated readings.
• Stress: High emotional or physical stress triggers “fight or flight” hormones (like adrenaline and cortisol) that naturally raise blood sugar.
• Medications: Corticosteroids, diuretics, and certain antidepressants can raise glucose; conversely, some medications may lower it.
• Physical Activity: Strenuous exercise immediately before the test can cause fluctuations in glucose levels as the body mobilizes energy stores.

When to Take the Test?

• Symptoms of High Sugar: Increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, or blurred vision.
• Symptoms of Low Sugar: Sweating, shakiness, extreme hunger, confusion, or dizziness.
• Routine Screening: Recommended annually for adults over 45 or individuals with risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, or a family history of diabetes.

How to Interpret the Results?

Important: A physician must evaluate glucose levels alongside your clinical history to diagnose metabolic conditions. High Glucose (Hyperglycemia): Often a sign of diabetes or prediabetes if found consistently on fasting tests. Low Glucose (Hypoglycemia): Can be caused by certain medications, excessive insulin, or prolonged fasting.

Possible Further Investigations

• HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin): To see average sugar levels over the last 3 months.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): To evaluate how the body handles a specific sugar load.
• Insulin and C-Peptide: To assess how much insulin the pancreas is actually producing.
• HOMA-IR: To check for insulin resistance.

When Does the Next Step Make Sense? 

The next step is necessary if a single fasting glucose result is outside the reference range. Because glucose levels are volatile, a physician will typically order a follow-up HbA1c test to determine if the high reading was a temporary spike or a chronic condition. Early intervention at the “prediabetes” stage can often reverse the condition through lifestyle changes.

👉 If necessary, you can discuss the results of the analysis with a specialist, such as an Endocrinologist (Doctors – TAMC)