Diabetes is one of the most widespread illnesses globally. According to IDF Diabetes Atlas 10th Edition 2021, it affected 537 million adults around the world. If not treated properly, it can lead to serious health issues like kidney diseases, cardiac problems, and vision loss. In fact, diabetes caused 6.7 million deaths in 2021. Isn’t that shocking? One of the best ways of managing this disease and preventing further complications is by keeping a constant eye on your blood sugar levels. This can be done by getting a blood sugar test done at regular intervals. Read on to find out about different types of blood sugar tests and how to read their report.

Types of Blood Sugar Tests

A blood sugar test measures the amount of glucose in your blood sample at a specific time of the day. A lower or higher than normal blood sugar level over a prolonged period can result in serious health concerns. A blood sugar test also enables your doctor to determine whether you have prediabetes, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or gestational diabetes. There are different types of blood sugar tests, depending on the time your blood sample is taken for testing. These include:

• Random Blood Sugar Test: In these tests, your glucose levels can be measured at any time during the day randomly. 
• Fasting Blood Sugar Test: In this kind of test, glucose levels are measured before breakfast. These tests require you to fast for 8-10 hours before the blood sample is taken. 
• Postprandial Blood Sugar Test: In this type of test, blood glucose levels are measured after a meal. 
• Glucose Tolerance Test: In such tests, your blood sugar levels are measured a short period after you consume a glucose solution orally. 

Usually, doctors advise getting fasting or postprandial blood sugar tests done for accurate diagnosis. 

How to Read a Blood Sugar Test Report?

Your blood glucose levels constantly keep changing throughout the day. They are at their lowest in the morning before you’ve taken your breakfast. These levels rise for a couple of hours after you have your meal. At any time during the day, the normal blood glucose levels range between 80 mg/dL and 110 mg/dL, making 90 mg/dl the average blood glucose level. A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher can be a sign of diabetes. Here’s how to read the reports for your fasting and postprandial blood sugar tests.

1. Postprandial Sugar

The blood glucose level exactly 2 hours after you've taken a meal is known as 2-hour postprandial blood sugar. In the case of healthy individuals, blood sugar levels typically go back down in a period of 2 hours. However, it may still be higher in diabetics. A blood sugar level ranging from 140 mg/dL to 200 mg/dL is called impaired glucose tolerance. Having a blood sugar level higher than 200 mg/dL even 2 hours after your meal in two different tests is an indicator of diabetes. This type of blood sugar test also helps in monitoring if diabetics are effectively managing their condition. 

• Normal Glucose Levels: Less than 140 mg/dL
• Impaired Glucose Tolerance: 140 mg/dL to 200 mg/dL
• High Glucose Levels: Higher than  200 mg/dL

2. Fasting Blood Sugar 

Also known as the pre-prandial blood sugar test, it measures your blood glucose levels after an overnight fast. Before getting this test done, don't eat anything for 8 to 10 hours. When two separate tests show that your fasting blood sugar levels are higher than 125 mg/dL, it's an indicator of diabetes. 

• Normal Fasting Glucose Levels: 70 mg/dL to 100 mg/dL
• Prediabetes Fasting Glucose Levels: 100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL
• Diabetes Fasting Glucose Levels: Higher than 125 mg/dL 

Sometimes, these blood sugar tests have to be performed multiple times to confirm a diagnosis. If your tests indicate prediabetes, then you are at an increased risk of developing diabetes. You can prevent your prediabetes from progressing to diabetes by making certain lifestyle changes like engaging in regular physical activity and taking a low-calorie, low-fat diet. If you have diabetes, then it’s equally important to lead a healthy lifestyle for managing your condition. If you need to talk to an expert,

Consult An Apollo Diabetologist

You can also try the Apollo 24|7 Diabetes Self-Management Tool to log your sugar values, track patterns, know all about food nutrition and more.

Medically reviewed by Dr Sonia Bhatt.