Glucose Testing

Diabetes is a condition where your body has trouble managing the sugar in your blood. Normally, a hormone called insulin helps your body use sugar for energy. But in diabetes, either your body doesn't make enough insulin or it can't use the insulin it makes very well. This causes sugar to build up in your blood, which can lead to health problems if not controlled. People with diabetes often need to watch what they eat, stay active, and sometimes take medication or insulin to keep their blood sugar levels in check.

External Information on Diabetes

Frequently asked questions

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Symptoms of high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) may include:

1. Increased thirst
2. Frequent urination
3. Fatigue
4. Blurred vision
5. Headaches
6. Dry mouth
7. Nausea and vomiting
8. Slow healing of wounds

Symptoms of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) may include:

1. Shakiness or tremors
2. Sweating
3. Fast heartbeat
4. Anxiety or nervousness
5. Hunger
6. Irritability or mood changes
7. Weakness or fatigue
8. Blurred vision
9. Confusion
10. Seizures (in severe cases)

It's important to note that symptoms can vary from person to person and may not always be present. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you have diabetes or are at risk for it, it's important to check your blood sugar levels and seek medical attention if necessary.
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- Using a glucose meter, the pharmacist pricks your finger with a lancet to obtain a drop of blood.
- The blood is placed onto a test strip, which is then inserted into the glucose meter.
- The meter measures your blood sugar level and displays the result on its screen.

Fasting blood sugar test: This is usually done in the morning after fasting overnight. A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm and tested to measure your blood sugar levels.

Random blood sugar test: This can be done at any time of the day, regardless of when you last ate. A blood sample is taken from a finger prick or vein and tested for blood sugar levels.
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Fasting blood sugar:
Normal: 3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L (70 to 99 mg/dL)
Prediabetes: 5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L (100 to 125 mg/dL)
Diabetes: 7.0 mmol/L (126 mg/dL) or higher on two separate tests

Random blood sugar:
Target range for non-diabetic individuals: Less than 11.1 mmol/L (200 mg/dL)
For diabetic individuals, the target range may vary depending on factors such as individual treatment goals and the timing of the test in relation to meals.
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Glucose Testing

What symptoms may indicate high / low glucose levels?

How is a glucose test performed?

What are the ranges that determine if the result is good or not?

When can I come to perform this test?

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