A glucose analysis is a test which determines the amount of glucose in a person’s blood stream at a given time. This is also known as checking one’s “blood sugar.” The test is especially important for those with conditions like diabetes, which must be controlled with regular blood glucose screenings and daily monitoring.
Initially a glucose analysis may be performed on those who are suspected to have diabetes, or who may have pre-diabetes based on symptoms or family history. The test is also routinely performed on pregnant women in some practices to rule out the possibility of gestational diabetes. To be tested, the patient is required to refrain from eating or drinking anything for a specified number of hours before the appointment. Once there, the patient is required to drink a sugary solution and wait while it enters the system. After enough time has passed, blood is drawn and glucose readings can be taken.
If the glucose analysis reveals that levels are unusually high, diabetes may be suspected. In some cases the reading will be too low, which could indicate certain diabetic conditions as well as a lack of nutrition in the patient. Those who do not eat enough for several days will likely have glucose levels that are too low.
Depending on the exact glucose analysis results, the patient may be required to undergo further tests. If diabetes is confirmed, treatments can begin. These may include daily insulin injections, restrictive diets, and a daily check of blood sugar using a handheld device. The device used by most diabetic patients takes a sample of blood, usually from the fingertip, onto a strip. Then the strip is placed into the meter, which reads the blood glucose levels.
Many times a glucose analysis will be done in those who do not have diabetes symptoms or any known risk factors. One example is before surgery because undetected diabetes could have harmful side effects on the patient if precautions aren’t taken. Glucose levels may also be taken before certain medications are prescribed and before other medical procedures.
Symptoms of diabetes may include frequent infections, dizziness, constant thirsty=, and elevated insulin levels which may lead to weight gain. The diagnosis will be made at a doctor’s office by doing a glucose test to check for blood sugar levels that are too high or low. Sometimes the readings will be borderline, meaning that diabetes may be prevented if the patient adopts healthier habits.
