Glucose Fasting and Post Prandial Plasma & Urine
About Glucose Fasting and Post Prandial, Plasma & Urine Test
A fasting blood (plasma) glucose test measures the amount of glucose in blood at a given time. A blood test on an empty stomach in the morning is recommended to obtain an accurate value.
A glucose fasting urine test determines the level of glucose in the given urine sample. In normal individuals, glucose is not excreted through the urine. If the level of glucose in the blood is high, kidneys will eliminate excess glucose through the urine, which indicates the risk of having diabetes.
A post-prandial blood glucose test, also known as a glucose post-prandial test, is a common test performed to determine sugar levels in an individual two hours after eating their meal. This test is used to monitor individuals with pre-diabetes and diabetes (Type 1 and 2). It helps to understand how the body reacts to the consumption of sugars and carbohydrates after a meal.
The glucose postprandial urine test is performed two hours after meals to determine the glucose levels in the urine. The results from these tests determine whether one has diabetes or not. Thus, this test is recommended to diagnose the risk of developing diabetes
Symptoms of Diabetes
Feeling thirsty very often
Feeling hungry often
Fatigue
Urinating a lot
Losing weight without efforts
Numbing or tingling of hands and feet
Slow healing of any cuts or wounds
Having infections more than usual
Dry skin
Blurred vision
Who should get tested?
Age over 35 years
Prediabetes
Overweight or obese
Family history of diabetes
High cholesterol
High Blood Pressure
Heart diseases
Gestational diabetes
Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Test preparation
· A fasting sugar test requires an individual to fast at least for about 8 – 10 hours before taking the test.
· For post-prandial glucose test, an individual is required to have a proper meal 2 hours before taking the test.
Interpretation of the Test Results
Interpretation of test results:
|
Results |
Fasting blood sugar (mg/dl) |
Post-prandial blood sugar (mg/dl) |
|
Normal |
70-100 |
140 and below |
|
Pre-diabetes |
100-125 |
140-199 |
|
Diabetes |
126 and above |
200 and above |
Fasting Urine sugar in millimoles per litre
Normal range of glucose in urine: 0 to 0.8 mmol/l.
Post-prandial Urine sugar in millimoles per litre (or) milligrams per decilitre
Normal range: 0 – 15 mg/dL
The presence of urine sugars greater than the normal range is usually indicative of Diabetes (type 1 and 2).
Deviations from normal levels indicates the following:
For glucose plasma:
If the results show higher than normal glucose levels, it could be a sign that you are at risk of developing diabetes. In addition, high glucose levels could indicate:
• Hyperthyroidism
• Pancreatic disorders
• Stress following surgery, a life-threatening illness, or trauma
If you have diabetes, your blood glucose levels may be lower than normal for a variety of reasons, including:
• Eating insufficiently, particularly after taking diabetes medication
• Exercising more frequently than usual
Low blood sugar levels without diabetes may indicate:
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• A hypoactive thyroid, pituitary, or adrenal gland (hypothyroidism)
• Addiction to alcohol
For glucose urine:
· Fasting urine glucose test is a screening test. It cannot diagnose a particular medical condition. If the level of glucose is more in your urine, your healthcare provider may request you to undergo a blood test to confirm the diagnosis.
· If the level of glucose is higher than normal, it could be a sign of various kidney diseases such as Fanconi syndrome and renal glycosuria, apart from diabetes.
Chronically elevated levels of sugar in the urine may be indicative of diabetic-related complications such as vision impairment, hypertension, obesity, heart diseases, etc
FAQs
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for glucose fasting & post prandial plasma and urine test?
The glucose fasting and post-prandial plasma and urine test results are usually available within 1 – 2 working days after sample collection
Are there any risks associated with glucose fasting & post prandial plasma and urine test?
No, there are absolutely no risks related to glucose post prandial plasma and urine test. It is a simple test with no associated risks
What is the procedure involved in sample collection of glucose fasting & post prandial plasma and urine test?
The test involves two different samples that are collected in two different ways.
· Blood: Your healthcare provider will insert a small needle into a vein in your upper arm and collect a few mL of blood. It might cause a feeling of slight sting or a bruise at the site of needle insertion. It usually resolves within a few minutes to a couple of hours.
Urine: Your healthcare provider will instruct you to collect urine sample in a sterile container that is provided to you using clean catch method. It involves cleaning the hands and genitals before collecting the urine sample. Discarding the initial few drops of urine that might contain bacteria is advised before collecting the sample
Can I drink coffee before fasting blood sugar test?
No, not even black coffee should be consumed before taking fasting blood sugar test. If it is necessary, then you can consume plain water before the test
How can I manage my blood sugar levels?
To manage blood sugar levels, one needs to have a plan of action. It includes:
· Keeping a close watch on sugar levels on a regular basis
· Paying attention to blood pressure
· Checking cholesterol levels frequently
· Exercising regularly
· Consuming a balanced diet