Why is this procedure done?
This test is done to find out how much glucose is in your blood. Glucose is another name for sugar in your blood. Having the right amount of glucose is very important. Glucose gives your cells energy to work. If you do not have enough or if you have too much glucose, you could have serious health problems. ‚
Your doctor may test your blood glucose in a few different ways. You may have a random test, which can be done at any time. Your doctor may want to check your blood glucose when you have not had anything to eat for 8 to 10 hours. This is a fasting blood glucose. You may have your blood glucose checked after you eat or drink something high in sugar. This is an oral glucose tolerance test. This checks how well your body reacts to large amounts of glucose in your diet. ‚
The doctor may order a blood glucose test to: ‚
- Check for high or low levels of blood sugar.
- See how well your pancreas is working.
- Find out if you have diabetes.
- Screen for gestational diabetes when a woman is pregnant.
The doctor may also order a blood glucose test as part of a group of other tests during a physical. ‚
View OriginalView Original
What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor may learn that you have signs of an illness that needs treatment.
- The results are based on the kind of blood glucose test you have had.
- If the results are normal, it means your body is likely working in a normal way.
- If the results are not normal you may have an illness. Your doctor may order more tests to learn more about what is wrong.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
You may need to stop eating and drinking before your test. Talk to your doctor. Also talk to your doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have any bleeding problems
- If you are pregnant
What happens during the procedure?
Most often, it will only take a few minutes to have this test. For some kinds of this test, you will have a blood test and then drink a special fluid. Then you may have more blood checked after 1, 2, or 3 hours. Ask your doctor about the kind of test you are having and how long you will need to wait. ‚
You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood to see how much glucose is in it. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Put pressure with your other hand where the needle was. This will help with bruising and bleeding.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor find out if you have a problem with your glucose level. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/glucose/tab/test ‚
Kids Health ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/test_glucose.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚