Understanding Blood Sugar Tests: What You Need to Know

Types of Blood Sugar Tests

• Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS): Taken after 8 hours of fasting.
• Random Blood Sugar (RBS): Taken anytime, helpful for quick assessment.
• HbA1c Test: Measures average blood sugar over 3 months.

Normal Blood Sugar Ranges

• Fasting: 70–99 mg/dL
• 2 hours post-meal: <140 mg/dL
• HbA1c: <5.7%

Factors Affecting Results

• Food intake, stress, medications, illness, exercise.

Frequency of Testing

• Healthy adults: at least once a year.
• Diabetics: daily self-monitoring recommended.

Step-by-Step Home Testing

1. Wash hands.
2. Insert a test strip into your glucometer.
3. Prick finger with lancet and place blood on strip.
4. Record results accurately.

When to See a Doctor

• Persistent high readings.
• Symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained fatigue.