Understand the significance and optimal timing for glucose blood tests, from fasting to gestational diabetes tests, and why it's important to have healthy blood sugar levels.

Key takeaways

• Glucose tests are an important indicator of metabolic health.
• There are several types of blood glucose tests, including the fasting blood glucose test, oral glucose tolerance test, random blood glucose test, and HbA1c test.
• A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can provide real-time blood glucose level monitoring.
• Partnering with your doctor to analyse your glucose levels is crucial to understand when to get a glucose test.

One of the critical tools for managing diabetes and other metabolic health issues is the glucose blood test. However, knowing when to see your doctor about getting this test can be confusing.

As well as being an excellent tool for managing the symptoms of diabetes and assessing metabolic health, glucose screening also plays an important role in prenatal care by screening for gestational diabetes.

Long-term glucose dysregulation and high glucose variability can pave the way for developing metabolic conditions in the future. These include conditions such as metabolic syndrome, heart disease, kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes.

Types of glucose tests

There are several types of blood glucose tests available. Your doctor will help you navigate which is right for you and your situation.

Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)

This is an essential glucose screening test for pregnant women. The optimal time to take this test is in the morning after fasting for at least eight hours. During the test day, only water is generally permitted. The healthcare professional will give you a glucose solution to drink before collecting a blood sample to measure the blood glucose levels at various intervals.

Fasting blood glucose test

The glucose fasting blood test involves a blood test while in a fasted state. This glucose fasting test is typically in the morning, after an 8 to 12 hours fasting period. This gives you an indication of your fasting blood glucose levels.

Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c)

HbA1c testing is often used to diagnose and monitor diabetes. This test measures the average level of blood glucose over the past two to three months. This can help to provide an understanding of your longer-term indication of blood sugar control.

Random blood glucose test

A random blood glucose test is a blood test that measures your blood sugar levels at the time of testing. It can be performed at any time of the day, without the need for fasting. The timing and contents of meals beforehand can influence this test.

Blood glucose tests versus CGM

While traditional blood sugar tests are beneficial for checking glucose levels, they do not provide dynamic information across the day. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is an alternative tool that assesses your blood glucose levels in real-time.

It measures the glucose in the interstitial fluid every few minutes and transmits this information to a mobile device. CGMs are useful to understand your patterns and trends when it comes to your blood glucose. They can show you how your lifestyle factors such as your diet and exercise are impacting your levels.

When to take a glucose test

Blood sugar testing can assist in determining whether you have insulin resistance and diabetes, whether you have good blood glucose control, and ensure a healthy pregnancy. Regular glucose tests are important for anyone at risk of developing diabetes or other metabolic health issues.

If you are pregnant, your doctor should inform you of the appropriate time to take the OGTT for gestational diabetes.

In general, having an understanding of common symptoms of glucose dysregulation can help you recognise a potential issue and seek help.

Common high blood sugar symptoms include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Weight loss without cause
• Nausea or vomiting

Common low blood sugar symptoms include:

• Sweating
• Shakiness, tremors and anxiety
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Hunger
• Dizziness, sleepiness and fatigue
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Blurry vision
• Coordination problems or clumsiness

It's crucial to collaborate with your doctor to ascertain when you should go for a glucose test.

To manage your glucose control effectively, Vively, a metabolic health app, can help you understand your glucose levels better.

The app can provide additional insights about how your diet, physical activity, and sleep affect your glucose levels. With these insights, you can build healthier habits that contribute to better glucose control and overall metabolic health.

Understanding your body's glucose levels is a key step in achieving optimal health and wellbeing. Stay proactive about your health and keep your glucose levels in check.