Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. How long should you fast before a blood test? Is it OK to drink water before a blood test? What if your child needs to fast before a blood test? What about fasting for a blood test during pregnancy? Read this next. Blood Glucose Test. Medically reviewed by Maria S. Prelipcean, MD. Basic Metabolic Panel. Medically reviewed by University of Illinois. Diabetes Tests. Medically reviewed by Maria Prelipcean, M. Cholesterol Test. For example, most people with diabetes do not need to test between meals unless they are using a diabetes drug that can lower blood sugar.
Other people may test between meals if they feel their sugar levels may be low. Since they do not make any insulin, some people with type 1 diabetes need to test several times a day. They do this because they need to check their levels regularly in order to adjust their insulin dose at that time. Find out more here about blood sugar testing at home. Blood glucose monitoring kits for use at home are available for purchase online.
For CGM, a person wears a monitor 24 hours a day. The monitor records their blood glucose levels on an ongoing basis. However, this type of kit is more expensive to buy. Random plasma glucose RPG : The doctor does a conventional blood sugar test when the person is not fasting.
Find out more here. The analysis begins with a fasting blood test. The individual with diabetes then drinks a liquid containing glucose, and the healthcare provider draws their blood every hour, three times. Learn more here about the glucose tolerance test. Blood sugar levels vary throughout the day and with food intake, so no single blood sugar reading can reveal how well or not someone is processing sugar. Prediabetes is when blood sugar is high but not as high as in diabetes.
People can take measures that may reverse it and stop diabetes from developing. However, the target numbers will vary between individuals. A healthcare professional will help a person identify their own target levels. It is vital to follow a healthful diet to keep fasting blood sugar from rising too high. Strategies include:. People who are taking diabetes drugs and who are at risk of dangerous blood sugar dips should follow a similar diet.
They also need to take proactive steps to prevent blood sugar from dropping. Taking the right steps before testing helps ensure your results will be accurate. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Fasting for a Blood Test. Why do I need to fast before my blood test? What types of blood tests require fasting?
The most common types of tests that require fasting include: Glucose tests , which measure blood sugar. One type of glucose test is called a glucose tolerance test. For this test you will need to fast for 8 hours before test. When you arrive at the lab or health care facility, you will: Have your blood tested Drink a special liquid containing glucose Have your blood re-tested one hour later, two hours later and possibly three hours later Glucose tests are used to diagnose diabetes.
Lipid tests , which measure triglycerides , a type of fat found in the bloodstream, and cholesterol , waxy, fat-like substance found in your blood and every cell of your body. How long do I have to fast before the test?
Can I eat and drink before having a blood test? Common fasting blood tests Examples of blood tests that may require you to fast include: a fasting blood glucose test used to test for diabetes — you may be asked to fast for 8 to 10 hours before the test an iron blood test used to diagnose conditions such as iron deficiency anaemia — you may be asked to fast for 12 hours before the test For more information about a wider range of blood tests, go to Lab Tests Online.
Further information Can I take medicine before having a blood test?
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