Fasting Blood Sugar: Screening Test for Diabetes

Blood sugar tests help determine the amount of glucose present in our body. While glucose gives our body the energy to carry out all its functions, a high blood glucose level indicates diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition that can affect our body’s other parts if not managed correctly. Therefore, diabetic patients must regularly test their blood sugar levels and take measures to keep them under control.

There are four main types of tests to check blood glucose levels:

1. Fasting glucose test
2. Post-prandial test
3. Random blood sugar test
4. Oral glucose tolerance test

While the fasting blood sugar test is done after fasting for at least eight hours, the post-prandial test is done after two hours of eating. Random blood sugar tests can be done anytime, and an oral glucose tolerance test is a blend of fasting and post-prandial tests.  

This blog will highlight how the fasting blood sugar test is conducted, explaining everything you need to know to monitor your blood sugar level for a healthy life, from its procedure to normal blood sugar levels for adults.

What is the Fasting Blood Sugar Test? 

The doctor conducts the fasting blood sugar (FBS) test to check the patient’s blood sugar level without being influenced by food intake. This test is performed between 8-12 hours of fasting to check for diabetes or prediabetes. FBS test can accurately determine your body’s ability to regulate glucose. 

Who Should Get an FBS Test Done? 

Here is the list of people who must get an FBS test done to understand their blood sugar level.

1. People with a family history of diabetes.
2. People with obesity.
3. People over the age of 45.
4. People who have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
5. Women with a history of gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
6. 6. People who suffer from high blood pressure
7. People with the following symptoms
8. Increased thirst  
9. Sudden weight loss 
10. Increased urination 
11. Tingling or numbness 
12. Increased hunger 
13. Long time to heal cuts and wounds  
14. Blurred vision 
15. Dry skin 

What is the Procedure for Fasting Blood Sugar Test? 

Here’s the detailed procedure to test your fasting sugar level:  

Before the Test: 

• Fasting: Typically, you’ll be asked to fast for at least 8-12 hours before the fasting sugar test. It’s usually recommended to schedule the test in the morning after an overnight fast. During this fasting period, you should not consume any food or drinks, except for water. Avoid consuming any sugary or high-carbohydrate foods the night before the test. 

During the Test:  

• Visit the Laboratory or Clinic: You’ll need to visit a healthcare facility, laboratory, or clinic where the blood test can be performed. Be sure to arrive on time for your appointment. 

• Blood Sample: A healthcare professional, usually a nurse or phlebotomist, will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. They will clean the area with an antiseptic, tie a tourniquet around your arm to make the veins more visible, and insert a needle to draw the blood. 

• Labelling: The blood sample will be labelled with your name and other identifying information. 

 After the Test:  

• Resume Eating: After the blood sample is taken, you can eat and drink normally. It’s a good idea to have a snack or meal on hand to consume right after the test, especially if you experienced fasting for an extended period. 

The healthcare provider will now send the blood sample for testing in a lab and share the reports with you once they are ready. The results are usually generated within 2-3 days, depending on your chosen healthcare centre. 

Tips for a Successful Fasting Blood Sugar Test

1. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding fasting duration and any specific dietary restrictions. 
2. Stay well-hydrated with water during the fasting period. 
3. Inform the healthcare provider if you are taking any medications or supplements, as some medications can affect blood sugar levels.
4. If you are diabetic and take insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications, consult your doctor about adjusting your medication regimen before the test. 

Blood Sugar Level Normal Range 

Interpretation of the fasting blood sugar test results depends on the normal blood sugar level ranges. These fasting blood sugar levels also determine the stage of diabetes a patient might be on. 

Below are the blood sugar level ranges according to diabetes stages: 

Your healthcare provider may repeat the test if the patient’s blood sugar level is higher than the normal range to be sure about the test results. If the test confirms that the patient has prediabetes, it is prudent to get the FBS test done every two years to monitor the blood sugar levels. Regular tests also help determine whether the patient is developing type 2 diabetes and take the necessary steps to control it.  

Maintaining a normal blood sugar level is essential for our body to perform all vital functions. Diabetes is a severe disease. If not managed properly, it can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, neuropathy, vision loss, and kidney disease. Diabetes may not have a cure, but a healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper medication can help manage it better. Additionally, to ensure proper diabetes management, blood sugar tests must be performed to check sugar levels. Regular blood sugar analysis will help you get closer to a healthy life. Knowing your sugar levels will enable you to make informed decisions about your health and enhance your overall quality of life.