DiabetesReported in mg/dLBlood glucose
The sugar in your blood at the moment of the test. On this panel it is measured from a finger-stick sample, and the useful version of the result is a fasting one.
What it measures
Glucose is the circulating fuel most cells use. After a meal it rises and insulin brings it back down. A fasting sample, taken after 8–12 hours without calories, is the one these categories refer to. This panel’s glucose is a finger-stick measurement. Capillary blood can run a little different from a vein draw, especially after eating. Fasting narrows that gap and is what the visit asks for.
Why it is on the panel
Type 2 diabetes often has no symptoms while glucose is already high enough to matter. A fasting result is the simplest screen. Paired with HbA1c, it is much harder for a one-off sugary evening to disguise a long-running pattern, or for a long-running pattern to hide behind one good morning.
How to read it
Confirm the fast first. Then read glucose next to HbA1c. Both in the typical range is reassuring. One of them high is a reason to repeat and to look at weight, triglycerides, and blood pressure, which travel with insulin resistance. A very high glucose with thirst, frequent urination, or confusion needs same-day care.
When it runs higher
A missed fast, steroids, acute illness, and diabetes raise glucose. Adult fasting categories used in screening are under 100 mg/dL as typical, 100–125 mg/dL as prediabetes, and 126 mg/dL or higher as the diabetes range. Diagnosis is not made from a single finger-stick alone when the result is borderline.
When it runs lower
A fasting glucose under about 70 mg/dL is lower than most people sit, and under 54 mg/dL is the range where symptoms of hypoglycemia become more likely. Causes include some medicines, heavy alcohol, prolonged fasting, and, less often, hormonal problems. Shakiness, sweating, and confusion with a low number deserve prompt attention.
Before the draw
Fast for 12 hours, with water allowed. The cutoffs below are fasting cutoffs. A recent meal will raise glucose and can push a normal result into a higher category.
Same group
Other Diabetes tests
How to use this page
This page explains what the measurement is for. It is educational. Your Healiam report includes the reference interval for your age and sex, and a clinician reads that result with your history, medicines, and the rest of the panel. Talk with a clinician before changing diet, supplements, or treatment because of a number on a report.
Glucose
Glucose is part of the full panel.
No referral or insurance required.
One preventive draw covers this measurement and the rest of the Healiam panel. CLIA-certified results come back in days.