What is this test?
Blood glucose is the main sugar used by the body for energy. The test helps detect and monitor diabetes and can also assess abnormally low glucose.
Why might it be ordered?
- To screen for diabetes or investigate thirst, frequent urination, tiredness or symptoms of low glucose.
- To monitor diabetes or a condition or medicine that affects glucose.
What sample is needed?
A blood sample is required. The laboratory chooses the correct tube and handles the sample for this test.
How should you prepare?
Confirm whether the order is for fasting or random glucose. If fasting is required, follow the laboratory interval and ask how to handle diabetes medicines; never change them on your own.
How should you understand the result?
Interpretation depends on whether you were fasting, when you last ate and whether you were acutely ill. Diagnosis of diabetes normally follows accepted criteria and may require confirmation.
Sources and editorial status
This patient-facing text is an editorial draft. It should be approved by a laboratory physician before official publication.