There are various blood sugar tests, with different functions. Blood sugar test can be done simply to determine the level of sugar in the blood, diagnose diabetes, or to evaluate whether the blood sugar levels of diabetics are controlled or not.
Blood sugar levels always change, especially before and after eating. Normal blood sugar levels before meals range from 70-130 mg / dL. Whereas after eight hours of fasting, blood sugar levels should be less than 100 mg / dL. If the blood sugar test is done two hours after eating, the normal result is less than 140 mg / dL.
Blood sugar checks can be done in a clinical laboratory, can also be done alone at home using a device called a glucometer. The trick is to pierce the tip of the finger with a special needle to release a little blood. The blood is then dropped on a glucose strip, which is embedded in a glucometer. The results can be obtained in just 10-20 seconds.
Types of blood sugar tests
Based on the time of taking blood and how to measure it, blood sugar tests can be divided into several types, namely:
Blood sugar test when
This blood sugar test can be done at any time without the need to fast and regardless of when you last ate. This test can be done to monitor blood sugar levels in diabetics, or to assess the high and low blood sugar of patients with certain conditions, such as weakness or fainting.
Blood sugar test when it cannot be used to diagnose diabetes. People without diabetes can get high results in this examination, if they have just consumed foods with a high glycemic index, such as ice cream or sweet cakes.
Fasting blood sugar test
This test is used as the first test to diagnose prediabetes or diabetes. Before this blood sugar test is done, you need to fast all night or at least eight hours.
Blood sugar test two hours after eating (post prandial)
Ten minutes after eating, blood sugar levels will begin to rise, and reach a peak after two hours. Blood sugar will return to normal condition 2-3 hours later.
A post prandial blood sugar test is done two hours after the patient eats, and is usually done after a fasting blood sugar test. This test can describe the body's ability to control blood sugar levels, which are related to the amount and sensitivity of insulin in the body.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test
This blood test is done to find out the average amount of blood sugar in the last 2-3 months. This test measures the percentage of blood sugar attached to hemoglobin (Hb). This examination can be done to diagnose diabetes as well as to find out whether or not blood sugar levels are controlled in diabetics.
If your HbA1C level is more than 6.5 percent in two tests at different times, chances are you have diabetes or your diabetes is out of control. Levels between 5.7-6.4 percent indicate prediabetes, and below 5.7 percent are considered normal.
Control Blood Sugar Levels
An increase in blood sugar levels that do not reach diabetes rates is called prediabetes. If left unchecked, this condition can develop into diabetes.
For people with prediabetes, a way that can be done to control blood sugar levels is to make lifestyle changes, namely by adjusting your diet and exercising regularly. Whereas in diabetics, blood sugar levels must be controlled, both by adjusting diet and consumption of drugs.
High blood sugar levels in the long run will damage blood vessels, and increase the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis.
Diabetics are encouraged to do blood sugar tests regularly and regularly see a doctor. Thus, doctors can monitor whether the patient's blood sugar levels are controlled with the treatment given.
Blood sugar tests are important to diagnose diabetes. However, not all blood sugar tests can be used for this purpose. Therefore, you should consult with your doctor before taking a blood sugar test. Don't forget, also consult the results with the doctor.
