The Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Test is a quantitative serological test performed to measure the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. A doctor may recommend this test to aid in the diagnosis of diabetes and monitor blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Special preparations may be necessary before the test, as advised by the doctor.

What is an FBS test?

The FBS test is a blood sugar test used to screen for diabetes and prediabetes. It is also recommended for pregnant women to diagnose gestational diabetes. Glucose is synthesised by the body to produce energy. However, not all glucose is utilised by the body simultaneously, and the insulin hormone helps store and release glucose as needed. Blood sugar levels typically increase after a meal and usually peak about an hour afterwards. The fasting sugar test can provide instant results and indicate the blood glucose level. 

When should I get this FBS test?

Diabetes or prediabetes don't usually exhibit symptoms at first. Doctors and healthcare providers recommend getting a blood test for sugar levels while fasting for several reasons:

• If a person has symptoms of diabetes or has a family history or risk factors for diabetes.
• For pregnant women to check for gestational diabetes.
• As part of a routine blood test to monitor a person's blood sugar levels over a period of time.
• When a person has previously experienced higher than normal blood glucose levels.

FBS Test at Home

The FBS test can be done at home using a blood glucose monitor. It is performed either immediately upon waking up, before the individual consumes any food or drink, or two hours after a meal when blood sugar levels return to normal. 

Continuous Glucose Monitoring 

Another option for fasting blood sugar blood tests at home for daily use is continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). With CGM, a diabetic person wears the blood glucose monitoring machine all day, providing an accurate picture of the fluctuations in a person's blood glucose levels.

Uses of FBS test    

The FBS blood sugar test is used to monitor blood glucose levels and diagnose prediabetes or diabetes in individuals, as well as gestational diabetes in pregnant women. Usually, this test is recommended by a doctor who suspects there has been an increase or decrease in the level of blood sugar in the body. Fluctuations in the body's blood sugar level can cause health conditions such as hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. FBS tests can also help monitor diabetes management.

How to prepare for the FBS test    

The fasting blood sugar test can be conducted at a doctor's clinic, a lab, or a hospital. As the name suggests, fasting is required for the sugar test. For patients with diabetes, the fasting glucose level is at its lowest, which is measured by the FBS blood test. The best time for this test is in the morning when a person has not consumed any food or drink for an extended period. To prepare for the fasting blood sugar test, you should refrain from eating or drinking for a period of 8 to 12 hours. 

Procedure of FBS Test 

For the FBS blood test, blood is drawn from a vein in the patient's arm. This procedure is typically performed by a phlebotomist, who cleans the area around the elbow for sanitation purposes and applies a band to the upper arm. Then, the phlebotomist uses a clean needle to draw blood from the arm and places it in a container for testing in a laboratory.

FBS Test Results    

The results of an FBS test can be available almost immediately when using a blood glucose monitoring machine, or they may become available within a few hours to a few days. The fasting blood sugar test results are measured in either mg/dL or mmol/L. The standard FBS test normal range for fasting blood sugar test values is typically considered to be lower than 140 mg/dL or 7.8 mmol/L.

The fasting blood test normal range and other sugar test fasting range.

If a patient has a high fasting blood sugar level, the doctor may recommend repeating the test to ensure the results before providing a diagnosis for diabetes and tailoring a treatment plan for the patient.

Conclusion    

A fasting blood sugar test helps monitor and maintain blood glucose levels during fasting in a person. Managing blood sugar levels well can help reverse the condition and prevent the progression of diabetes.

FAQs

1. How many hours of fasting are required for the FBS blood sugar test?

Before a fasting blood sugar test is performed, fasting overnight may be recommended, which can be for 8-12 hours.

2. How can I lower my fasting glucose?

Fasting glucose levels can be lowered by understanding why it is happening and making lifestyle changes to prevent hypoglycemia. The best measures to lower fasting glucose levels can be suggested by a doctor.

3. What is average blood sugar by age?

For children below 13 years of age, a blood sugar level between 90 to 180 mg/dL is normal. For adolescents between 13 to 19 years of age, a blood sugar level between 90 to 130 mg/dL is normal. For adults, the normal blood sugar range is between 90 to 130 mg/dL.

4. Is a 150 sugar level normal?

A fasting blood sugar level over 140 mg/dL indicates high blood glucose level, which may mean that the person has diabetes.

5. What should I eat if my sugar is high?

Green leafy and non-starchy vegetables, berries, and whole grains can be eaten if the blood sugar level is high.

6. Is 200 blood sugar normal after eating?

If the blood sugar level, two hours after eating a meal, is above 200 mg/dL, it may suggest that the patient has diabetes.