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Blood Glucose Test: Understanding Blood Sugar and Your Health

A blood glucose test measures the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood. Glucose is your body’s primary source of energy, derived from food, and moved into cells with the help of the hormone insulin. Too much or too little glucose can signal serious medical conditions, including diabetes, prediabetes, or hormonal disorders.

High blood glucose (hyperglycemia) may indicate prediabetes or diabetes. Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) is less common in people without diabetes but can result from certain medications or conditions. Both extremes require medical attention to prevent long-term complications such as heart disease, nerve damage, or seizures.

What is it Used For?

  • As part of routine screening for prediabetes and diabetes.
  • To help diagnose causes of abnormal symptoms (high or low glucose).
  • To monitor conditions or medications that affect blood glucose.
  • To evaluate gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

Why You May Need a Blood Glucose Test

Your provider may order this test as part of a basic metabolic panel (BMP) or comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP). It is especially important if you have risk factors such as:

  • Age over 35 (screening recommended from 35+ by the ADA).
  • Overweight or obesity.
  • Family history of diabetes.
  • High blood pressure, heart disease, or fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
  • Gestational diabetes history or having delivered a baby over 9 lbs.
  • Low physical activity (less than 3 times per week).
  • Ethnic background (higher risk in African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, and some Asian American groups).

Symptoms that May Require Testing

High Blood Glucose (Hyperglycemia):

  • Increased thirst and frequent urination.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Fatigue or unexplained weight loss.
  • Sores that heal slowly.
  • Numbness or tingling in hands or feet.

Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia):

  • Shakiness, hunger, or fatigue.
  • Dizziness, confusion, or irritability.
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat.
  • Headache, blurred vision, or slurred speech.
  • Fainting or seizures (in severe cases).

Understanding Results

Results vary depending on the test type. In general:

High Blood Glucose May Indicate:

  • Prediabetes or diabetes (most common).
  • Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
  • Pancreatic disease (including pancreatitis).
  • Adrenal gland conditions (Cushing’s syndrome, pheochromocytoma).
  • Stress from illness, surgery, or trauma.
  • Medication side effects (steroids, some antipsychotics, beta-blockers, statins).

Low Blood Glucose May Indicate:

  • Diabetes medications (e.g., insulin, sulfonylureas) or other medicines that lower glucose.
  • Skipping meals or excessive physical activity (in diabetes patients).
  • Liver or kidney disease.
  • Adrenal or pituitary gland disorders (Addison’s disease, pituitary dysfunction).
  • Hypothyroidism.
  • Malnutrition or alcohol use disorder (AUD).