Blood glucose levels obtained after at least eight hours of fasting are regarded as fasting blood glucose levels. Testing fasting blood glucose levels is an integral part of diabetes treatment and management. According to "Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests," fasting blood glucose levels should be less than 100 mg/dL; levels greater than this constitute hyperglycemia.
Glucose testing is quick and easy. This crucial test can be performed at home with a glucometer.
Step 1
Record the time that you finish eating your last meal for the day.
Step 2
Calculate the amount of time that has elapsed from the last time you ate until the time you awoke. Wait until at least eight hours has passed from the time you last ate until you take your blood glucose levels. For example, if you ate a snack at 10 p.m., you must wait until at least 6 a.m. to test your blood glucose levels. If you wake up at 5 a.m., you must wait another hour to test your blood glucose levels.
Step 3
Drink only water while waiting for enough time to elapse to test your blood glucose levels. Drinking water is important to maintain adequate hydration levels. Dehydration causes difficulty in obtaining a large-enough blood sample to test blood glucose levels because a dehydrated person's blood is thick and difficult to draw.
References
- "Foundations of Nursing"; Lois White et al; 2010
- "Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests"; Kathleen Deska Pagana and Dr. Timothy Pagana; 2009
- "Mayo Clinic Essential Diabetes Book"; Mayo Clinic; 2009
- "Diabetes for Dummies"; Dr. Alan Rubin; 2008
