Glucose analysis tests the amount of glucose in a person’s bloodstream, important for those with conditions such as diabetes. The test involves drinking a sugar solution and waiting for it to enter the system before blood is drawn. Treatment for diabetes can include daily insulin injections and blood sugar testing. Glucose tests may also be done before surgery or prescribing medication. Symptoms of diabetes include frequent infections, dizziness, constant thirst, and high insulin levels.
A glucose analysis is a test that determines the amount of glucose in a person’s bloodstream at any given time. This is also known as checking your “blood sugar”. Testing is especially important for those with conditions such as diabetes, which need to be controlled with regular blood glucose screenings and daily monitoring.
Initially a glucose test may be done on those who are suspected of having diabetes or who may have pre-diabetes based on symptoms or family history. The test is also routinely performed on pregnant women in some practices to rule out the possibility of gestational diabetes. To be tested, the patient must refrain from eating or drinking anything for a set number of hours before the appointment. Once there, the patient must drink a sugar solution and wait for it to enter the system. After sufficient time has elapsed, blood is drawn and glucose readings can be taken.
If the glucose test reveals that the levels are unusually high, diabetes may be suspected. In some cases the reading will be too low which could indicate certain diabetic conditions and a lack of nutrition in the patient. Those who don’t eat enough for several days are likely to have glucose levels that are too low.
Depending on the exact results of the glucose analysis, the patient may be required to undergo further tests. If diabetes is confirmed, treatments can begin. These can include daily injections of insulin, restrictive diets, and daily blood sugar testing using a handheld device. The device most diabetics use takes a blood sample, usually from a fingertip, onto a strip. Then the strip is inserted into the meter, which reads blood glucose levels.
Many times a glucose test will be done in those who have no symptoms of diabetes or known risk factors. An example is before surgery because undetected diabetes could have harmful side effects on the patient if precautions are not taken. Glucose levels can also be taken before certain medications are prescribed and before other medical procedures.
Symptoms of diabetes can include frequent infections, dizziness, constant thirst and high insulin levels which can lead to weight gain. Diagnosis will be made in a doctor’s office by doing a glucose test to check for blood sugar levels that are too high or low. Sometimes the readings will be borderline, meaning that diabetes can be prevented if the patient adopts healthier habits.
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