Blood sugar test: When & why you should get checked for diabetes

Diabetes is becoming a significant health issue in India. With changing lifestyles and eating habits, more people are at risk of developing high blood sugar levels. But how do you know if you have diabetes? A blood sugar or diabetes test is the best way to check. It helps detect diabetes early and prevents complications.
 

Why blood sugar testing is important

Blood sugar testing helps in many ways:

• It shows if you have high or low blood sugar.
• It helps doctors decide on the proper treatment.
• It tracks how well your diet, exercise, and medicines are working.
• It helps prevent serious complications like heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve problems.
• It allows people with diabetes to make daily lifestyle decisions.
   

Who should get tested?

Everyone should check their blood sugar at some point, but some people need to test more often. You should get tested if:

• You have a family history of diabetes.
• You are overweight.
• You are above 35 years of age.
• You have high blood pressure or cholesterol.
• You have symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, tiredness, or unexplained weight loss.
• You had gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
   

Types of blood sugar tests

There are different types of blood sugar tests. Each one helps in various ways.

1. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) test
   • Measures blood sugar after 8-12 hours of fasting.
   • Normal range: Below 100 mg/dL.
   • Prediabetes: 100-125 mg/dL.
   • Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher.
      
2. Postprandial blood sugar (PPBS) test
   • Measures blood sugar 2 hours after a meal.
   • Normal range: Below 140 mg/dL.
   • Diabetes: Above 200 mg/dL.
      
3. Random blood sugar (RBS) test
   • It can be done anytime.
   • A reading above 200 mg/dL may indicate diabetes.
      
4. HbA1c test (glycated hemoglobin test)
   • Measures average blood sugar over 2-3 months.
   • Normal: Below 5.7%.
   • Prediabetes: 5.7-6.4%.
   • Diabetes: 6.5% or higher.
      
5. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
   • Measures how your body processes glucose.
   • Used for gestational diabetes or confirming prediabetes.
      

How often should you test blood sugar?

The frequency of testing depends on your risk factors and health condition.

• People without diabetes: Once a year, especially if you are above 35.
• Prediabetes: Every 3-6 months to monitor changes.
• Type 1 diabetes: Several times a day, including before and after meals, exercise, and sleep.
• Type 2 diabetes: At least once a day, or as your doctor advises.
• Gestational diabetes: Regularly during pregnancy, as per the doctor’s advice.
   

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)

Some people use a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM). This device tracks blood sugar levels throughout the day using a tiny sensor placed under the skin. It helps people with type 1 diabetes or those who need frequent monitoring.
 

How to test blood sugar at home

Home testing is easy with a glucometer. Here’s how:

• Wash your hands.
• Insert a test strip into the glucometer.
• Prick your fingertip with a lancet.
• Place a drop of blood on the strip.
• The meter shows your blood sugar level in seconds.
   

Make sure to record the results and share them with your doctor.

What affects blood sugar levels

Many factors can raise or lower your blood sugar:

• Diet: Eating too many sweets or carbohydrates can raise blood sugar.
• Exercise: Regular activity helps keep blood sugar in control.
• Stress: Increases blood sugar levels due to hormonal changes.
• Sleep: Poor sleep can lead to higher blood sugar levels.
• Illness: Fever or infections can make blood sugar unstable.
• Medications: Some medicines, including steroids, can raise blood sugar.
   

How to maintain healthy blood sugar levels

To keep your blood sugar levels in check:

• Eat a balanced diet with whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins.
• Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods.
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Manage stress with yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
• Get enough sleep (7-8 hours per night).
• Take medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
   

Complications of uncontrolled diabetes

If blood sugar remains high for a long time, it can cause:

• Heart disease: Higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Kidney damage: This can lead to kidney failure.
• Nerve damage: Causes tingling, numbness, and pain in hands and feet.
• Eye problems: Can lead to blindness.
• Foot problems: Poor circulation can lead to infections and amputations.
   

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you:

• Have high blood sugar levels consistently.
• Feel extreme thirst, tiredness, or blurred vision.
• Experience frequent infections or slow-healing wounds.
• Have unexplained weight loss.
• Feel dizzy or faint often.
   

Conclusion

Blood sugar testing is essential to detect and manage diabetes. It helps you take control of your health and prevent serious complications. If you are at risk, get tested regularly and follow a healthy lifestyle.

Proper guidance and care are essential for those managing diabetes at home. Truepal enhances the lives of those with diabetes by providing education, monitoring, and tailored care.
 

FAQs

1. When is it recommended to check blood sugar levels for diabetes? 

Common times to monitor your blood sugar include before meals and at bedtime. Your healthcare provider may suggest checking your levels 2 hours after eating or occasionally at night. Consult your provider regarding the best times to monitor your blood sugar.

2. Why is it important for people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar? 

Regular testing can help you understand what influences your readings, identify trends, and make necessary adjustments. By testing consistently, you are more likely to stay within your target blood sugar range. This monitoring also aids your healthcare team in making informed decisions about your diabetes management plan.

3. At what age should one begin screening for diabetes?

Recent guidelines from the USPSTF and ADA suggest that some adults should start getting screened at age 35 and continue every three years thereafter.

4. At what blood sugar level is diabetes diagnosed?

A normal fasting blood sugar level is less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L). A fasting blood sugar reading between 100 and 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) indicates prediabetes. If a fasting level is 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two separate occasions, diabetes is diagnosed.

5. When during the day do blood sugar levels tend to peak?

The dawn phenomenon, which typically occurs between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m., can cause elevated blood sugar levels, known as hyperglycemia. The exact cause of the dawn phenomenon remains unclear, but some researchers think it may be linked to the natural release of specific hormones overnight that increase insulin resistance.