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Blood sugar test – blood
Random blood sugar; Blood sugar level; Fasting blood sugar; Glucose test; Diabetic screening – blood sugar test; insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">Diabetes – blood sugar test
A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood.
Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including brain cells. Carbohydrates are found in fruit, cereal, bread, pasta, and rice. They are quickly turned into glucose in your body. This raises your blood glucose level.
Hormones made in the body help control blood glucose level.
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed.
How to Prepare for the Test
The test may be done in the following ways:
- After you have not eaten anything for at least 8 hours (fasting)
- At any time of the day (random)
- Two hours after you drink a certain amount of glucose ( oral glucose tolerance test )
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away.
Why the Test is Performed
Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes . More than likely, the doctor will order a fasting blood sugar test.
The blood glucose test is also used to monitor people who already have insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes.
The test may also be done if you have:
- An increase in how often you need to urinate
- Blurred vision
- Confusion or a change in the way you normally talk or behave
- Fainting spells
- Seizures (for the first time)
SCREENING FOR insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">DIABETES
This test may also be used to screen a person for insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes.
High blood sugar and insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes may not cause symptoms in the early stages. A fasting blood sugar test is almost always done to screen for diabetes.
If you are over age 45, you should be tested every 3 years.
If you have any of the risk factors below, ask your health care provider about getting tested at an earlier age and more often:
- Overweight (body mass index, or BMI, of 25 or higher) and other risk factors
- Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher, or unhealthy cholesterol levels
- Member of a high-risk ethnic group (African American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander)
- Woman who has delivered a baby weighing 9 pounds (lb), or 4 kilograms (kg) or more, or who had gestational insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes
- Polycystic ovary disease
- Close relative with insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes (such as a parent, brother or sister)
Children age 10 and older who are overweight and have at least 2 of the risk factors listed above should be tested for type 2 insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes every 3 years, even if they have no symptoms.
Normal Results
If you had a fasting blood glucose test, a level between 70 and 100 mg/dL (3.9 and 5.6 mmol/L) is considered normal.
If you had a random blood glucose test, a normal result depends on when you last ate. Most of the time, the blood glucose level will be below 125 mg/dL (6.9 mmol/L).
The examples above show the common measurements for results of these tests. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or may test different specimens. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
If you had a fasting blood glucose test:
- A level of 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) means you have impaired fasting glucose, a type of prediabetes. This increases your risk of developing type 2 insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes.
- A level of 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) and higher usually means you have insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes.
If you had a random blood glucose test:
- A level of 200 mg/dL (11 mmol/L) or higher often means you have insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes.
- Your provider will order a fasting blood glucose, HbA1c test , or glucose tolerance test , depending on your random blood glucose test result.
- In someone who has insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes, an abnormal result on the random blood glucose test may mean that the diabetes is not well controlled.
Other medical problems can also cause a higher-than-normal blood glucose level, including:
- Overactive thyroid gland
- Pancreatic cancer
- Swelling and infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation of the pancreas ( pancreatitis )
- Stress due to trauma, stroke, heart attack, or surgery
- Rare tumors, including pheochromocytoma , acromegaly , Cushing syndrome , or glucagonoma
A lower-than-normal blood glucose level ( hypoglycemia ) may be due to:
- Hypopituitarism (a pituitary gland disorder)
- Underactive thyroid gland or adrenal gland
- Tumor in the pancreas ( insulinoma – very rare)
- Too little food
- Too much insulin or other diabetes medicines
- Liver or kidney disease
- Weight loss after weight loss surgery
- Vigorous exercise
Some medicines can raise or lower your blood glucose level. Before having the test, tell your provider about all the medicines you are taking.
For some thin young women, a fasting blood sugar level below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) may be normal.
Risks
Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Blood sugar test – blood
Random blood sugar; Blood sugar level; Fasting blood sugar; Glucose test; Diabetic screening – blood sugar test; Diabetes – blood sugar test
A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood.
Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including brain cells. Carbohydrates are found in fruit, cereal, bread, pasta, and rice. They are quickly turned into glucose in your body. This raises your blood glucose level.
Hormones made in the body help control blood glucose level.
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed.
How to Prepare for the Test
The test may be done in the following ways:
- After you have not eaten anything for at least 8 hours (fasting)
- At any time of the day (random)
- Two hours after you drink a certain amount of glucose ( oral glucose tolerance test )
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away.
Why the Test is Performed
Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of diabetes . More than likely, the doctor will order a fasting blood sugar test.
The blood glucose test is also used to monitor people who already have diabetes.
The test may also be done if you have:
- An increase in how often you need to urinate
- Blurred vision
- Confusion or a change in the way you normally talk or behave
- Fainting spells
- Seizures (for the first time)
SCREENING FOR DIABETES
This test may also be used to screen a person for diabetes.
High blood sugar and diabetes may not cause symptoms in the early stages. A fasting blood sugar test is almost always done to screen for diabetes.
If you are over age 45, you should be tested every 3 years.
If you have any of the risk factors below, ask your health care provider about getting tested at an earlier age and more often:
- Overweight (body mass index, or BMI, of 25 or higher) and other risk factors
- Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher, or unhealthy cholesterol levels
- Member of a high-risk ethnic group (African American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander)
- Woman who has delivered a baby weighing 9 pounds (lb), or 4 kilograms (kg) or more, or who had gestational diabetes
- Polycystic ovary disease
- Close relative with diabetes (such as a parent, brother or sister)
Children age 10 and older who are overweight and have at least 2 of the risk factors listed above should be tested for type 2 diabetes every 3 years, even if they have no symptoms.
Normal Results
If you had a fasting blood glucose test, a level between 70 and 100 mg/dL (3.9 and 5.6 mmol/L) is considered normal.
If you had a random blood glucose test, a normal result depends on when you last ate. Most of the time, the blood glucose level will be below 125 mg/dL (6.9 mmol/L).
The examples above show the common measurements for results of these tests. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or may test different specimens. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
If you had a fasting blood glucose test:
- A level of 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) means you have impaired fasting glucose, a type of prediabetes. This increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- A level of 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) and higher usually means you have diabetes.
If you had a random blood glucose test:
- A level of 200 mg/dL (11 mmol/L) or higher often means you have diabetes.
- Your provider will order a fasting blood glucose, HbA1c test , or glucose tolerance test , depending on your random blood glucose test result.
- In someone who has diabetes, an abnormal result on the random blood glucose test may mean that the diabetes is not well controlled.
Other medical problems can also cause a higher-than-normal blood glucose level, including:
- Overactive thyroid gland
- Pancreatic cancer
- Swelling and inflammation of the pancreas ( pancreatitis )
- Stress due to trauma, stroke, heart attack, or surgery
- Rare tumors, including pheochromocytoma , acromegaly , Cushing syndrome , or glucagonoma
A lower-than-normal blood glucose level ( hypoglycemia ) may be due to:
- Hypopituitarism (a pituitary gland disorder)
- Underactive thyroid gland or adrenal gland
- Tumor in the pancreas ( insulinoma – very rare)
- Too little food
- Too much insulin or other diabetes medicines
- Liver or kidney disease
- Weight loss after weight loss surgery
- Vigorous exercise
Some medicines can raise or lower your blood glucose level. Before having the test, tell your provider about all the medicines you are taking.
For some thin young women, a fasting blood sugar level below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) may be normal.
Risks
Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Glucose tolerance test – non-pregnant
Oral glucose tolerance test – non-pregnant; OGTT – non-pregnant; Diabetes – glucose tolerance test; Diabetic – glucose tolerance test
The glucose tolerance test is a lab test to check how your body breaks down sugar.
Tests to screen for diabetes during pregnancy are done differently.
How the Test is Performed
The most common glucose tolerance test is the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
Before the test begins, a sample of blood will be taken.
You will then be asked to drink a liquid containing a certain amount of glucose (usually 75 grams). Your blood will be taken again every 30 to 60 minutes after you drink the solution.
The test may take up to 3 hours.
A similar test is the intravenous (IV) glucose tolerance test (IGTT). It is rarely used, and is never used to diagnose diabetes. With IGTT, glucose is injected into your vein for 3 minutes. Blood insulin levels are measured before the injection, and again at 1 and 3 minutes after the injection. The timing may vary.
How to Prepare for the Test
Make sure you eat normally for several days before the test.
DO NOT eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before the test. You cannot eat during the test.
Ask your health care provider if any of the medicines you take can affect the test results.
How the Test will Feel
Drinking the glucose solution is similar to drinking very sweet soda.
Serious side effects from this test are very uncommon. With the blood test, some people feel nauseated, sweaty, lightheaded, or may even feel short of breath or faint after drinking the glucose. Tell your doctor if you have a history of these symptoms related to blood tests or medical procedures.
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.
Why the Test is Performed
Glucose is the sugar the body uses for energy. People with untreated diabetes have high blood glucose levels.
Most often, the first tests used to diagnose diabetes in people who are not pregnant are:
- Fasting blood glucose level: diabetes is diagnosed if it is higher than 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) on 2 different tests
- Hemoglobin A1c test: diabetes is diagnosed if the test result is 6.5% or higher
Glucose tolerance tests are also used to diagnose diabetes. The OGTT is used to screen for, or diagnose diabetes in people with a fasting blood glucose level that is high, but is not high enough (above 125 mg/dL or 7 mmol/L) to meet the diagnosis for diabetes.
Normal Results
Normal blood values for a 75 gram OGTT used to check for type 2 diabetes in those who are not pregnant:
- Fasting: 60 to 100 mg/dL (3.3 to 5.5 mmol/L)
- 1 hour: less than 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L)
- 2 hours: less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L)
The examples above are common measurements for results of these tests. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
A glucose level that is higher than normal may mean you have pre-diabetes or diabetes:
- A 2 hour value between 140 and 200 mg/dL (7.8 and 11.1 mmol/L) is called impaired glucose tolerance. Your doctor may call this “pre-diabetes.” It means you are at increased risk of developing diabetes over time.
- A glucose level of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher is used to diagnose diabetes.
Serious stress to the body, such as from trauma, stroke, heart attack, or surgery, can raise your blood glucose level. Vigorous exercise can lower your blood glucose level.
Some medicines can raise or lower your blood glucose level. Before having the test, tell your provider about any medicines you are taking.
Risks
You may have some of the symptoms listed above under the heading titled “How the Test will Feel.”
Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Anti-insulin antibody test
Insulin antibodies – serum; Insulin Ab test; Insulin resistance – insulin antibodies; Diabetes – insulin antibodies
The anti-insulin antibody test checks to see if your body has produced antibodies against insulin.
Antibodies are proteins the body produces to protect itself when it detects anything “foreign,” such as a virus or transplanted organ.
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed.
How to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is necessary.
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.
Why the Test is Performed
This test may be performed if:
- You have or are at risk for type 1 diabetes
- You appear to have an allergic response to insulin
- Insulin no longer seems to control your diabetes
Normal Results
Normally, there are no antibodies against insulin in your blood.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your health care provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
If you have IgG and IgM antibodies against insulin, your body reacts as if the insulin in your body is a foreign protein that needs to be removed. This may make insulin less effective, or not effective at all. This is because the antibody prevents the insulin from working the right way in your cells. As a result, your blood sugar can be unusually high.
The antibodies can also prolong the effect of insulin by releasing some insulin long after your meal has been absorbed. This can put you at risk for low blood sugar.
If the test shows a high level of IgE antibody against insulin, your body has developed an allergic response to the insulin. This could put you at risk for skin reactions where you inject insulin. You can also develop more severe reactions that affect your blood pressure or breathing.
Other medicines, such as antihistamines or low-dose injectable steroids, may help to lessen the reaction. If reactions have been severe, you may need a treatment process called desensitization.
Risks
Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks of having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood building up under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Microalbuminuria test
Diabetes – microalbuminuria; Diabetic nephropathy – microalbuminuria; Kidney disease – microalbuminuria; Proteinuria – microalbuminuria
This test looks for a protein called albumin in a urine sample.
Albumin can also be measured using a blood test or another urine test called the protein urine test .
How the Test is Performed
You will usually be asked to give a small urine sample while at your doctor’s office.
In rare cases, you will have to collect all of your urine at home for 24 hours . To do this, you will get a special container from your doctor and specific instructions to follow.
To make the test more accurate, urine creatinine level may also be measured. Creatinine is a chemical waste product of creatine. Creatine is a chemical made by the body that is used to supply energy to muscles.
How to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is necessary for this test.
Why the Test is Performed
People with diabetes have a high risk of kidney damage. The “filters” in the kidneys, called nephrons, slowly thicken and become scarred over time. The nephrons begin to leak protein into the urine. This kidney damage can also happen years before any diabetes symptoms begin. In the early stages of kidney problems, blood tests may be normal.
If you have diabetes, you should have this test each year. The test checks for signs of early kidney problems .
If this test shows that you are starting to have a kidney problem, you can get treatment before the problem gets worse. People with severe kidney damage may need dialysis. They may eventually need a new kidney ( kidney transplant ).
Normal Results
Normally, albumin stays in the body. There is little or no albumin in the urine sample. Normal albumin levels in the urine are less than 30 mg/24 hours.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or may test different specimens. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
If the test finds a high level of albumin in your urine, your doctor may have you repeat the test.
Abnormal results may mean your kidneys are starting to get damaged . But the damage may not yet be bad.
Abnormal results may also be reported as:
- Range of 20 to 200 mcg/min
- Range of 30 to 300 mg/24 hours
You will need more tests to confirm a problem and show how severe the kidney damage may be.
The most common cause of a high level of albumin in the urine is diabetes . Controlling your blood sugar level may lower the albumin level in your urine.
A high albumin level may also occur with:
- Some immune and inflammatory disorders
- Some genetic disorders
- Rare cancers
- High blood pressure
- Narrowed artery of the kidney
Healthy people may have a higher level of protein in the urine after exercise. People who are dehydrated may also have a higher level.
Risks
There are no risks with providing a urine sample.
Glucose tolerance test – non-pregnant
Oral glucose tolerance test – non-pregnant; OGTT – non-pregnant; Diabetes – glucose tolerance test; Diabetic – glucose tolerance test
The glucose tolerance test is a lab test to check how your body breaks down sugar.
Tests to screen for diabetes during pregnancy are done differently.
How the Test is Performed
The most common glucose tolerance test is the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
Before the test begins, a sample of blood will be taken.
You will then be asked to drink a liquid containing a certain amount of glucose (usually 75 grams). Your blood will be taken again every 30 to 60 minutes after you drink the solution.
The test may take up to 3 hours.
A similar test is the intravenous (IV) glucose tolerance test (IGTT). It is rarely used, and is never used to diagnose diabetes. With IGTT, glucose is injected into your vein for 3 minutes. Blood insulin levels are measured before the injection, and again at 1 and 3 minutes after the injection. The timing may vary.
How to Prepare for the Test
Make sure you eat normally for several days before the test.
DO NOT eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before the test. You cannot eat during the test.
Ask your health care provider if any of the medicines you take can affect the test results.
How the Test will Feel
Drinking the glucose solution is similar to drinking very sweet soda.
Serious side effects from this test are very uncommon. With the blood test, some people feel nauseated, sweaty, lightheaded, or may even feel short of breath or faint after drinking the glucose. Tell your doctor if you have a history of these symptoms related to blood tests or medical procedures.
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.
Why the Test is Performed
Glucose is the sugar the body uses for energy. People with untreated diabetes have high blood glucose levels.
Most often, the first tests used to diagnose diabetes in people who are not pregnant are:
- Fasting blood glucose level: diabetes is diagnosed if it is higher than 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) on 2 different tests
- Hemoglobin A1c test: diabetes is diagnosed if the test result is 6.5% or higher
Glucose tolerance tests are also used to diagnose diabetes. The OGTT is used to screen for, or diagnose diabetes in people with a fasting blood glucose level that is high, but is not high enough (above 125 mg/dL or 7 mmol/L) to meet the diagnosis for diabetes.
Normal Results
Normal blood values for a 75 gram OGTT used to check for type 2 diabetes in those who are not pregnant:
- Fasting: 60 to 100 mg/dL (3.3 to 5.5 mmol/L)
- 1 hour: less than 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L)
- 2 hours: less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L)
The examples above are common measurements for results of these tests. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
A glucose level that is higher than normal may mean you have pre-diabetes or diabetes:
- A 2 hour value between 140 and 200 mg/dL (7.8 and 11.1 mmol/L) is called impaired glucose tolerance. Your doctor may call this “pre-diabetes.” It means you are at increased risk of developing diabetes over time.
- A glucose level of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher is used to diagnose diabetes.
Serious stress to the body, such as from trauma, stroke, heart attack, or surgery, can raise your blood glucose level. Vigorous exercise can lower your blood glucose level.
Some medicines can raise or lower your blood glucose level. Before having the test, tell your provider about any medicines you are taking.
Risks
You may have some of the symptoms listed above under the heading titled “How the Test will Feel.”
Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Ketones urine test
Ketone bodies – urine; Urine ketones; Ketoacidosis – urine ketones test; Diabetic ketoacidosis – urine ketones test
A ketone urine test measures the amount of ketones in the urine.
How the Test is Performed
Urine ketones are usually measured as a “spot test.” This is available in a test kit that you can buy at a drug store. The kit contains dipsticks coated with chemicals that react with ketone bodies. A dipstick is dipped in the urine sample. A color change indicates the presence of ketones.
This article describes the ketone urine test that involves sending collected urine to a lab.
A clean-catch urine sample is needed. The clean-catch method is used to prevent germs from the penis or vagina from getting into a urine sample. To collect your urine, the health care provider may give you a special clean-catch kit that contains a cleansing solution and sterile wipes. Follow instructions exactly so that the results are accurate.
How to Prepare for the Test
You may have to follow a special diet. Your provider may tell you to temporarily stop taking certain medicines that may affect the test.
How the Test will Feel
The test involves only normal urination. There is no discomfort.
Why the Test is Performed
Ketone testing is most often done if you have type 1 diabetes and:
- Your blood sugar is higher than 240 mg/dL
- Nausea or vomiting occur
- Pain in the abdomen
Ketone testing may also be done:
- You have an illness such as pneumonia, heart attack, or stroke
- Nausea or vomiting that does not go away
- You are pregnant
Normal Results
A negative test result is normal.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
An abnormal result means you have ketones in your urine. The results are usually listed as small, moderate, or large as follows:
- Small: <20 mg/dL
- Moderate: 30 to 40 mg/dL
- Large: >80 mg/dL
Ketones build up when the body needs to break down fats and fatty acids to use as fuel. This is most likely to occur when the body does not get enough sugar or carbohydrates.
This may be due to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) . DKA is a life-threatening problem that affects people with diabetes. It occurs when the body cannot use sugar (glucose) as a fuel source because there is no insulin or not enough insulin. Fat is used for fuel instead.
An abnormal result may also be due to:
- Fasting or starvation: such as with anorexia (an eating disorder)
- High protein or low carbohydrate diet
- Vomiting over a long period (such as during early pregnancy)
- Acute or severe illnesses, such as sepsis or burns
- High fevers
- The thyroid gland making too much thyroid hormone ( hyperthyroidism )
- Nursing a baby, if the mother does not eat and drink enough
Risks
There are no risks with this test.
Microalbuminuria test
Diabetes – microalbuminuria; Diabetic nephropathy – microalbuminuria; Kidney disease – microalbuminuria; Proteinuria – microalbuminuriaThis test looks for a protein called albumin in a urine sample.
Albumin can also be measured using a blood test or another urine test called the protein urine test .
How the Test is Performed
You will usually be asked to give a small urine sample while at your doctor’s office.
In rare cases, you will have to collect all of your urine at home for 24 hours . To do this, you will get a special container from your doctor and specific instructions to follow.
To make the test more accurate, urine creatinine level may also be measured. Creatinine is a chemical waste product of creatine. Creatine is a chemical made by the body that is used to supply energy to muscles.
How to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is necessary for this test.
Why the Test is Performed
People with diabetes have a high risk of kidney damage. The “filters” in the kidneys, called nephrons, slowly thicken and become scarred over time. The nephrons begin to leak protein into the urine. This kidney damage can also happen years before any diabetes symptoms begin. In the early stages of kidney problems, blood tests may be normal.
If you have diabetes, you should have this test each year. The test checks for signs of early kidney problems .
If this test shows that you are starting to have a kidney problem, you can get treatment before the problem gets worse. People with severe kidney damage may need dialysis. They may eventually need a new kidney ( kidney transplant ).
Normal Results
Normally, albumin stays in the body. There is little or no albumin in the urine sample. Normal albumin levels in the urine are less than 30 mg/24 hours.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or may test different specimens. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
If the test finds a high level of albumin in your urine, your doctor may have you repeat the test.
Abnormal results may mean your kidneys are starting to get damaged . But the damage may not yet be bad.
Abnormal results may also be reported as:
- Range of 20 to 200 mcg/min
- Range of 30 to 300 mg/24 hours
You will need more tests to confirm a problem and show how severe the kidney damage may be.
The most common cause of a high level of albumin in the urine is diabetes . Controlling your blood sugar level may lower the albumin level in your urine.
A high albumin level may also occur with:
- Some immune and inflammatory disorders
- Some genetic disorders
- Rare cancers
- High blood pressure
- Narrowed artery of the kidney
Healthy people may have a higher level of protein in the urine after exercise. People who are dehydrated may also have a higher level.
Risks
There are no risks with providing a urine sample.
