Overview:
Glucose is the primary energy source for the cells of the body, brain and nervous system. A constant level of glucose must be maintained in the blood. Fruits, vegetables, and other dietary substances are broken down into glucose during digestion, they are absorbed by the small intestine and circulated throughout the body. Using glucose for energy production depends on insulin.
INSULIN: A hormone produced by the pancreas, that facilitates the transport of glucose into the body’s cells and directs the liver to store glycogen for short term storage and triglycerides in fat cells.
WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURES?
In diabetes blood sugar levels are consistently high, over time high glucose levels can damage the body and can lead to many other problems. This test measures blood sugar levels before lunch/dinner.
During the day, levels tend to be at their lowest just before meals. For most people without diabetes, blood sugar levels before meals are around 70 to 80 mg/dL. For some people, 60-90 mg/dL is normal.
Q1. How is the test performed?
A blood sample drawn from a vein or a drop of blood from a skin prick is required.
Q2. Is there any risk associated with this test?
There is no significant risk associated with this test, however, in rare cases, a patient may develop a clot or hematoma around the site of the needle prick
Q3. What level of blood sugar is dangerous?
As stated by the American Diabetes Association, anyone with a random blood sugar of 200mg/dl or greater is diabetic. If the level is between140-200mg/dl, the patient is considered to be at an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Q4. What are the most common complications for diabetes?
Diabetes if not controlled can cause grave complications. It is the unregulated increased blood glucose that mediates most of the damage and harm. The damage occurs over a period of time, thus the onset of the complications is slow. The nerves, muscles and, blood vessels are the most affected by this. Some of the complications that may arise are,
- Diabetic Retinopathy(damage to the retina) which may lead to blindness;
- Diabetic Neuropathy(damage to the nerves) in various parts of the body;
- Diabetic Nephropathy(damage to the kidneys) resulting in chronic loss of kidney function;
- Diabetic foot which can cause foot ulcers that may turn gangrenous.
- Uncontrolled diabetes may also eventually lead to death.
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULT:
According to American Diabetes Association, general goal is blood sugar level under 180mg/dL, 1 to 2 hours after the meal.
