What is glucose serum test

The glucose serum is the simplest and most direct single test available to test for diabetes. The test measures the amount of glucose in the fluid portion of the blood. There are multiple components to the bloodstream. The bulk of what constitutes blood is actually just water. Floating in the water are white and red blood cells and platelets, as well as proteins, electrolytes, and minerals. The water that everything is moving through is called the blood serum. When glucose is released into the bloodstream it dissolves in this serum.

Learn more about low-glycemic foods here. People can lower high blood sugar by:. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes can affect how the body produces and responds to insulin.

When insulin is only available in smaller quantities, or cells no longer respond to it, sugar does not enter these cells and remains in the blood. Type 1 diabetes: The beta cells that make insulin in the pancreas are damaged or destroyed, so sugar stays in the blood for longer. Type 2 diabetes: The cells in the liver, muscles, and fat tissue no longer respond to insulin, and they release more sugar into the blood.

The beta cells not producing enough insulin compounds in this situation. People who have diabetes can experience high blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia, because the cells in their body cannot absorb sugar from the blood.

If people take too much insulin, exercise more than usual, or skip a meal, they may experience low blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia. Regularly monitoring blood sugar levels is a vital aspect of diabetes treatment. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to long-term health conditions, including vision loss, heart disease, and kidney disease. Read the article in Spanish. Diabetes is a chronic condition that can lead to a number of symptoms and complications.

Find out more about how to spot the symptoms of type 1 and…. Blood sugar or blood glucose supplies energy from food to all the cells in the body. Diabetes happens when healthy sugar levels are not maintained. In addition to medication, the diet plays an essential role in diabetes management. Certain foods can help stabilize insulin and blood sugar levels…. Ask your doctor what your test results mean. If your test results show you have prediabetes, ask your doctor or nurse if there is a lifestyle change program offered through the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program in your community.

You can also search for an online or in-person program. If your test results show you have type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, talk with your doctor or nurse about a detailed treatment plan—including diabetes self-management education and support services —and specific steps you can take to be your healthiest.

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Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Blood Glucose Test. What is a blood glucose test? What is it used for? Why do I need a blood glucose test? Symptoms of high blood glucose levels include: Increased thirst More frequent urination Blurred vision Fatigue Wounds that are slow to heal Symptoms of low blood glucose levels include: Anxiety Sweating Trembling Hunger Confusion You may also need a blood glucose test if you have certain risk factors for diabetes.

These include: Being overweight Lack of exercise Family member with diabetes High blood pressure Heart disease If you are pregnant, you will likely get a blood glucose test between the 24th and 28th week of your pregnancy to check for gestational diabetes. What happens during a blood glucose test? Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

If you are pregnant and are being checked for gestational diabetes: You will drink a sugary liquid one hour before your blood is drawn. You won't need to fast for this test. If your results show higher than normal blood glucose levels, you may need another test, which requires fasting. Talk to your health provider about specific preparations needed for your glucose test. Are there any risks to the test? What do the results mean?