Synonyms: Fasting blood glucose

NOTICE: This is a component of the Diabetes Monitoring Panel which may be more appealing than ordering this test alone.

Why It Is Done

Blood glucose testing can be used to screen healthy, asymptomatic individuals for diabetes and pre-diabetes because diabetes is a common disease that begins with few symptoms. It may also be ordered when a patient has a routine physical exam. Screening is especially important for people at high risk of developing diabetes, such as those with a family history of diabetes, those who are overweight, and those who are more than 40 to 45 years old. The glucose test may also be ordered to help diagnose diabetes when someone has symptoms of hyperglycemia, such as: Increased thirst Increased urination Fatigue Blurred vision Slow-healing infections or symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as: Sweating Hunger Trembling Anxiety Confusion Blurred Vision

How to prepare for the test

Patient should fast 8-12 hours before collection of specimens.