Blood glucose testing is a standard component of routine blood tests ordered by a physician as part of an annual physical or prior to a surgical procedure. The physician may also order this test if a patient has symptoms related to diabetes such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision or slow-healing wounds. Initially, this blood test requires that a person fast for at least eight hours prior to testing. Fasting blood glucose levels should be below 126. Elevated glucose levels could also be related to other conditions such as pancreatitis, pregnancy, acute stress or a side effect of medication.
Confirming Diabetes
According to Lab Tests Online, normal fasting blood glucose should be from 70 to 99; impaired fasting glucose, or pre-diabetes, is found at levels ranging from 100-125. Any values equal to or greater than 126 may be considered diabetic. A second test is recommended prior to officially diagnosing diabetes. Additional testing may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis, including a urinalysis, oral glucose tolerance test or a hemoglobin A1c.
Self-Monitoring Provides Better Control
For those diagnosed with diabetes, regular self-monitoring is an essential part of diabetes management. Those who monitor blood glucose regularly are more likely to control glucose levels effectively and less likely to suffer from the complications related to diabetes. Daily monitoring may include testing immediately upon waking, before or after a meal, or before and after exercise. Generally a detailed glucose log is kept and given to a personal physician or diabetes educator to determine the effectiveness of the treatment program.
Complications are Common without Control
According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Complications related to uncontrolled diabetes include heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, kidney disease, blindness, neuropathy and amputation. Diabetes is a costly disease; those with diabetes spend 2.3 times more on medical expenses than those without this condition.
Prevention is Key
Type 2 diabetes is a preventable condition for most people. The Centers for Disease Control found that those with pre-diabetes, or fasting glucose between 100 and 125, could effectively reduce the risk of developing diabetes through lifestyle interventions. Those who lost weight and increased their physical activity reduced their risk of developing diabetes by 58 percent; those over age 60 reduced their risk by more than 70 percent. Diet and exercise are cost-effective measures to prevent diabetes in some individuals. However, if you have already been diagnosed with diabetes, talk to your physician about using these interventions in conjunction with your medical therapy.
