Blood glucose test

A blood glucose test measures the glucose level in the blood, whether or not it’s in the healthy
range. The test is used to help diagnose and monitor diabetes.

Glucose is a type of sugar. It is the body’s main source of energy. A hormone called insulin helps
move glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. Too much or too little glucose in the blood can
be a sign of a serious medical condition. High blood glucose in the blood can be a sign of
diabetes, a disorder that can cause heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and other
complications. Low blood glucose levels can also to major health problems, including brain
damage too.

Procedure

A health care professional takes blood sample from a vein in the arm, using a small needle. After
the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected into a test tube or vial.

The method used by lab 1 is GOD-POD (glucose oxidase-peroxidase) - The glucose reagent,
serum, standard glucose and distilled water are mixed and kept for incubation at 37 degree
Celsius for 15 minutes or at room temperature for 30 minutes. Intensity of color is measured at
550 nm filter.

The method used by lab 2 and 3 is GOD-PAP (oxidase-phenol and 4 aminophenazone) - The
sample, blank, distilled water and reagent are mixed and incubated at 20 minutes at 20-25 degree
Celsius. The absorbance is read against the blank within 60 minutes.

Clinical significance

Blood glucose test provides information that can be useful for managing diabetes. Blood sugar
tests can also reveal information on the effects of exercise, diet, or stress on blood sugar levels.

1. Random blood sugar level indicates if there is an underlying problem since sugar levels in
blood should not vary greatly.
2. Fasting blood sugar is done to assess for pre-diabetes and diabetes.
3. Post prandial sugar test is done together with the fasting blood sugar to evaluate the
body’s ability to metabolize carbohydrates and produce insulin.
4. HbA1c gives indication of the average blood sugar levels in the last 3 months. It is very
useful to know if the person’s blood sugar levels have been in control in the preceding
months.
Blood glucose level- Lab reference values

TEST LAB1 LAB2 LAB3

Fasting blood sugar 74-100mg/dl 80-100mg/dl 70-100mg/dl
Post prandial sugar 90-120mg/dl 100-120mg/dl 90-120mg/dl
HbA1C 4.0-5.6% 4.5-5.0% 4-5%
Random blood sugar 80-150mg/dl 85-140mg/dl 80-150md/dl

International cutoffs

TEST REFERENCE VALUE

Fasting blood sugar Below 100 mg/dl
Post prandial sugar Below 140 mg/dl
HbA1C Below 42 mmol/mol (6.0%)
Random blood sugar Below 200 mg/dl