Types of blood sugar testing explained
Did you know? Diabetes was originally diagnosed mainly by the presence of glucose in the urine only. Fun fact, almost 2,500 years ago, ants were observed to be attracted to the urine of some individuals and so the sweet taste of urine was used to diagnose diseases.
Over 100 years ago, tests for measuring glucose levels in the blood were developed, and hyperglycemia became the only criterion for diagnosing diabetes. People with diabetes need this test regularly to ensure their levels are staying within range.
Over 100 years ago, tests for measuring glucose levels in the blood were developed, and hyperglycemia became the only criterion for diagnosing diabetes. People with diabetes need this test regularly to ensure their levels are staying within range.
Popular testing methods
- Fasting Blood Glucose Test: For adults without diabetes who have not eaten for at least eight hours (fasting), the normal blood glucose level is less than 100 mg/dL. Adults without diabetes should have a blood glucose level of 90 to 110 mg/dL two hours after eating.
Diabetes is often diagnosed by measuring fasting glucose (FG), but there have been some arguments against it. For example, the patients must fast for 8 to 12 hours before testing. In the short term, the results of FG will be affected by lifestyle changes (overactivity, stress, and certain medications). - Post-Prandial Blood Glucose test: Blood sample collected for assessment 2 hours ost meal.
- Random Blood Glucose level of 200 mg/dL is considered diagnostic in patients with classic diabetes symptoms.
- HbA1c: Assessment of 3 months average of blood glucose level control.
The table below will give a better understanding of the values to keep in mind when monitoring Blood glucose in the conventional ways.
Other Alternative methods
- One is that you can use a glucometer to test your blood glucose level by dribbling a sample of blood onto a strip of treated paper.
- Another one is that a device can be attached to your skin to measure your blood glucose level every few minutes for up to a week and charted. It is called a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS).
How is HbA1c important in elderly healthcare?
For people with diabetes, this is important because the higher the HbA1c, the greater the risk of developing diabetes-related complications. HbA1c is a marker that reflects your average blood sugar levels in the previous 3 months. Reducing your HbA1c slashes the risk of heart failure and cataracts by up to 38%.The range and values for HbA1c important to be known are:
What else can you do to help manage blood sugar levels?
Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular physical activity can all help. Other tips include:
- Keep track of your blood sugar levels to see what makes them go up or down.
- Eat at regular times, and don’t skip meals.
- Choose foods lower in calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, and salt.
- Track your food, drink, and physical activity.
- Drink water instead of juice or soda.
- Limit alcoholic drinks.
- For a sweet treat, choose fruit.
- Control your food portions (for example, use the plate method: fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and a quarter with a grain or starchy food).
How can you monitor blood glucose and modify your lifestyle?
Neodocs can facilitate Smart Reports, for a better understanding of the lab values of the HbA1c test and fasting blood sugar test as well. Also, dietary and other lifestyle recommendations aid you in monitoring health from just a Whatsapp number on your smartphone. Simply Whatsapp any blood report to +917400281971 and do away with googling your health concerns!