Glucose is a type of carbohydrate, a simple sugar that the body uses as an energy source.
When you eat foods that contain carbohydrates, the body breaks them down into glucose. This glucose enters the bloodstream and is carried to the cells, where it is used as energy.

The body regulates blood glucose levels through insulin, a hormone that helps cells absorb glucose. When this system does not work properly, it can lead to glucose levels that are too high or too low, which can be harmful to health.

Monitoring glucose levels can say a lot about your health. Here's why it's important:

• Preventing Health Problems : Abnormal glucose levels can lead to serious problems like diabetes, which can cause complications such as heart disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage.
• Managing diabetes : For people with diabetes, regular monitoring helps manage the condition and adjust their diet, physical activity, and medication.
• General health : Even for people without diabetes, knowing their glucose levels as part of a health check can help identify potential problems before they become serious.

Glucose Blood Tests

1. Fasting Blood Glucose Test
   This test measures blood glucose levels after fasting for several hours.
   • Objective : Diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes. It also makes it possible to monitor the effectiveness of treatment plans.
   • Normal values : Between 70 mg/dL and 100 mg/dL.
2. Random Blood Glucose Test
   This test measures blood sugar levels at any time of the day, regardless of the last meal.
   • Objective : Quickly assess glucose levels, especially if there are symptoms of diabetes.
   • Normal values : Less than 200 mg/dL.
3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
   Measure blood sugar before and after drinking a sugary drink.
   • Objective : Diagnosing gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes.
   • Normal values : Less than 140 mg/dL after 2 hours.
4. Hemoglobin A1c Test
   Assess the average blood sugar level over 2 to 3 months.
   • Objective : Diagnosing and monitoring diabetes and prediabetes.
   • Normal values : Less than 5.7%.

Urinary Glucose Tests

Urine Glucose Test

• Objective : Used when blood tests are not available but less accurate.
• Normal values : Very little or no glucose in the urine.

Urine Glucose Tolerance Test

• Objective : Rarely used, it can be performed in specific situations where blood tests are not feasible.
• Normal values : No glucose detectable in the urine.

Blood tests

• Fasting : For some tests, such as fasting blood sugar, avoid eating or drinking (except water) for 8 hours before the test.
• Medications : Consult a doctor to find out if certain medications should be stopped before testing.
• Physical Activity : Avoid strenuous exercise the night before.
• Hydration : Drink water to make it easier to draw blood.

Urine tests

• Hydration : Drink enough water to produce a good sample.
• Instructions : Follow the doctor's specific instructions, such as when to collect.

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Blood Test Results

1. Fasting blood sugar
   • Normal: 70-100 mg/dL
   • Pre-diabetes: 100-125 mg/dL
   • Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher
2. Random blood sugar
   • Normal: Less than 200 mg/dL
   • Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher
3. OGTT
   • Normal: Less than 140 mg/dL
   • Pre-diabetes: 140-199 mg/dL
   • Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher
4. Hemoglobin A1c
   • Normal: Less than 5.7%
   • Pre-diabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
   • Diabetes: 6.5% or more

Urinary Test Results

• Normal result: No glucose in the urine.
• Abnormal result: Presence of glucose, which may indicate diabetes or other health problems.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems have revolutionized glucose management. Unlike traditional tests, they continuously measure glucose levels using a sensor placed under the skin, providing real-time data and alerting in case of abnormal levels.

These systems offer more effective management and reduce the need for painful finger prick tests.
Maintaining balanced glucose levels through regular monitoring, healthy eating, and appropriate medical care is essential for good health.