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Blood Sugar Tests: More Than Just a Number
7 Feb
Summary
- Glucose levels fluctuate due to food, activity, stress, and hormones.
- Fasting, post-prandial, and HbA1c tests offer a comprehensive view.
- Combined test results are crucial for diabetes prevention and management.
Blood sugar levels are dynamic, influenced by daily factors like food intake, activity, stress, and hormonal changes. Consequently, a single glucose test cannot fully determine an individual's diabetes risk. Experts recommend a trio of tests—fasting blood glucose, post-prandial blood glucose, and HbA1c—to provide a more accurate assessment.
The fasting blood glucose test measures glucose after an overnight fast, reflecting basal glucose regulation. However, it doesn't capture post-meal spikes. The post-prandial test, taken two hours after eating, assesses how well the body processes carbohydrates from a meal. This is supplemented by the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) if more specificity is needed, measuring glucose after a 75gm glucose drink.
The HbA1c test offers a longer-term perspective, indicating average blood sugar levels over two to three months by measuring glucose attached to hemoglobin. While valuable, it doesn't show daily fluctuations and can be affected by conditions like anemia. Each test has unique limitations, making a combined approach essential for an accurate diagnosis.
