Glucose Test

Table of contents

Glucose Test - what is it and how the test is done

A blood glucose test detects the amount of glucose in your blood. Sugar is a form of glucose. It is the primary power source for your body. Insulin, a hormone, aids in transporting glucose from the bloodstream into the cells.
There are several glucose tests. One involves two-step testing in which you do not need to change your diet. An hour before the test, you need to drink glucose-containing liquid. Afterwards, your blood will be drawn to check your glucose level. 
You need to come for a 3-hour glucose tolerance test if it gives a high glucose range. For this test, you need to eat or drink nothing (except water) for 8-14 hours before the test.
You will have to drink a liquid with 100 grams of glucose when performing the test. Blood will be drawn before you consume the liquid and again every 60 minutes afterwards. Your blood glucose level will be measured each time.
In one-step testing, you will have a 2-hour glucose tolerance test. You will have to drink a liquid containing 75 grams of glucose. Blood will be drawn before you consume the liquid and again every 60 minutes afterwards. Your blood glucose level will be measured each time. Again, your stomach needs to be empty for 8-14 hours before the test.

Common conditions covered by a Glucose Blood Test

Diabetes Prediabetes Gestational diabetes Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes

Where to get a Glucose Blood Test

Glucose Test at-Home and Self Tests