Glucose (fingerstick)

What is Glucose?

Glucose is a simple sugar that is a crucial source of energy for the body. The level of glucose in the blood indicates how well the body extracts and uses energy from food. Measuring glucose is especially important for managing and diagnosing conditions such as diabetes.

Why should you have Glucose tested?

Testing glucose is essential for people at risk of diabetes or who already have this condition. It helps monitor blood sugar levels to keep them within a healthy range. It is also useful for detecting hypoglycemia (too low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (too high blood sugar), both of which can be harmful to the body if left untreated.

What does it indicate?

The glucose test indicates the current blood sugar level. This is important for determining the effectiveness of diet, exercise, and medication in people with diabetes. It can also point to prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

What does a high glucose level mean?

A high glucose level, known as hyperglycemia, may indicate diabetes. It can also be an indication of stress, a recent meal, or other medical conditions. Prolonged hyperglycemia without treatment can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage.

What does a low glucose level mean?

A low glucose level, or hypoglycemia, may suggest an overdose of diabetes medication, a long period without food, excessive physical exercise, or an underlying medical condition. Hypoglycemia can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, trembling, sweating, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness.