Community Answer
Glucose in a blood test refers to the measurement of the amount of sugar (glucose) present in your bloodstream. Glucose is a primary source of energy for your body's cells and is derived from the foods you eat. The test is commonly used to:
- Diagnose Diabetes: High glucose levels may indicate diabetes or prediabetes.
- Monitor Diabetes Management: For individuals with diabetes, it helps track how well blood sugar levels are controlled.
- Assess Overall Health: Abnormal glucose levels can also indicate other health issues.
There are different types of blood glucose tests:
Test Type Description
Fasting Blood Glucose Measures glucose after an overnight fast. Random Blood Glucose Measures glucose at any time, regardless of when you last ate. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) Measures glucose before and after drinking a sugary solution. Hemoglobin A1C Provides an average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months.
Normal fasting blood glucose levels are typically between 70-99 mg/dL. Levels above this range may indicate prediabetes or diabetes.