Also Known As
Blood Sugar Test, Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS)
The Purpose of a Glucose Serum Test
Your body needs glucose as its main source of energy. This simple sugar travels from the bloodstream to the cells with the help of the insulin hormone. But if your body can’t produce enough insulin, or any insulin at all, then you will have high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), which is the cause of diabetes. Too much or too little glucose in the blood can be a sign of a serious medical condition. However, low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia) can also be problematic, as they can be associated with kidney or liver disease, gland disorders, or alcohol abuse. A glucose serum level blood test can be used to detect hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia so you can get prompt medical attention.
What Does the Glucose Serum Levels Blood Test Measure?
This test measures how much glucose you have in your blood.
Who Should Take a Glucose Serum Lab Test?
You may need a blood test for glucose serum if you have risk factors for type 2 diabetes, such as a family history of the disease, unhealthy weight, or high blood pressure or cholesterol levels, among others. A glucose serum blood test may also be advisable if you have symptoms related to hyperglycemia, including:
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- An unusual increase in thirst
- Frequent urination
- Slow-healing wounds
Hypoglycemia symptoms can include:
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Unusual hunger
- Anxious thoughts or confusion
A glucose serum lab test typically isn’t used on its own to diagnose diabetes, as It’s part of a larger battery of tests. It can also be used to monitor your diabetes treatment plan to ensure its effectiveness.
Blood Test, Glucose Serum Preparation
You are required to fast for 12 hours prior to testing.
Glucose Serum Blood Test Results
Your levels are typically considered in the normal range if they are 70 to 99 mg/dL; levels lower than 70 mg/dL would indicate hypoglycemia. If your test results come back between 100 and 125 mg/dL, you are in the range for prediabetes, and anything above that is considered diabetic. If you need help determining your next steps after receiving your results, book a telehealth visit with one of our Personalabs doctors.
Where Can I Get a Glucose Serum Test Near Me?
It’s easy to monitor your blood sugar levels with the help of Personalabs; our diabetes test collection gives you the tools you need to manage this all-important health marker. Plus, you get the convenience of shopping online for your test and then scheduling an appointment at one of our 4,000-plus Labcorp or Quest Diagnostic partner facilities across the country.
Here’s how simple it is:
Step 1: Buy the test you want and download the lab order. (Double-check to make sure you don’t need a physician’s approval before making your purchase; this will depend on the state where you live.)
Step 2: Use the lab locator on our website to find the nearest facility and schedule your blood draw.
Step 3: Bring the downloaded test order to your lab appointment and have your blood drawn.
Step 4: Check back within 2 to 10 business days for your results, which will arrive in your secure Personalabs account. (Is time of the essence? Just contact us, and we will reach out to the lab for you.)
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