BLOOD GLUCOSE (Blood Sugar)

 

What is Blood Glucose?

Blood glucose is simply how much sugar there is in your blood. Your doctor may order this blood test to see if you have abnormally low glucose levels (hypoglycemia) or abnormally high levels (hyperglycemia – often associated with diabetes). This test is routinely ordered during pregnancy as the mothers body chemistry may alter during pregnancy, causing abnormal glucose levels for both mother and baby.

 

Why is it Important?

- When blood sugar is low, you may feel faint, or even pass out.

- When it is too high, you can appear as if you have been drinking alcohol and, if not reversed,

you could become very sleepy, or comatose.

 

Common Causes of Abnormal Glucose:

Elevated Glucose Levels:

- Diabetes

- Recent Meal Consumption: (Sugar levels will be elevated during the first hour after a

meal is eaten.)

Decreased Glucose Levels:

- Insulin Overdose

- Hypothyroidism

 

Range of Glucose Levels:

The range of normal sugar levels will vary depending on what area you live in, your age, and

illnesses you might have. Your doctor will work with the laboratory staff to best determine what

your normal level is.

 

Importance of Timing:

The best time to do a glucose test is 2 hours after you've eaten. This will show how well your

body utilizes the sugar you've taken in with your meal. At this point, your blood sugar should be

back to normal levels. If it's not, your doctor will probably want to evaluate this further.