Why Is It Important to Get Your Sugar Tested?
Testing your blood sugar is a vital aspect of managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes and keeping related complications at bay. All diabetics need to know when and how frequently this should be done for maximum benefits.
New Delhi, December 13: Diabetes is one of the most widespread diseases worldwide. According to the IDF Diabetes Atlas Tenth edition, nearly 537 million adults were affected by diabetes in 2021. Known for being one of the major public health concerns at a global level, if not managed properly, diabetes can lead to several serious complications and health issues like heart attacks, kidney disease, and strokes. When it comes to managing diabetes, one of the most important measures you can take is to ensure regular blood sugar monitoring. Read on to learn more about what blood sugar testing is and its importance.
What is Blood Sugar Testing?
Testing your blood sugar is a vital aspect of diabetes care. A blood sugar test is a procedure carried out to measure the amount of glucose, or sugar, present in your blood. Your body converts carbohydrates (present in foods like fruits and grains) into glucose, which serves as the main source of energy for your body. Having higher or lower blood glucose levels can result in an array of symptoms. Over the long term, they can also lead to serious health conditions including permanent organ damage.
Why is Blood Sugar Testing Necessary?
Testing your blood sugar provides information that is essential for managing diabetes. It can help you in the following ways:
- This test can help in identifying whether your blood sugar levels are higher or lower than normal, allowing your doctor to determine if you have prediabetes or diabetes.
- It enables you to monitor how your diabetes medication is affecting your blood sugar levels. This can help your doctor figure out whether or not your dosage or prescription needs to be adjusted.
- Through a blood sugar test, you can keep an eye on your progress towards achieving the overall treatment goals. Depending on individual needs, your goals and targets may be adjusted.
- The test can help you gain insights into how exercise, diet, and other factors like stress or illness are affecting your blood glucose levels, allowing you to determine if your routine needs any adjustments.
How is Blood Sugar Testing Done?
While you can also test your glucose levels at home using a glucometer, the most accurate way of getting your blood sugar tested is by availing of a diabetes test package at the nearby diagnostic lab. These tests are usually performed by taking a blood sample from the vein in your arm. Make sure to follow all the fasting instructions, if any, to ensure that the results of this test are accurate.
For instance, the diabetes test by Apollo 24|7 is a comprehensive test package that consists of 35 tests at a pocket-friendly price. These tests include:
Glucose Evaluation
The tests covered under this category measure both fasting and post-prandial blood glucose levels along with the HbA1c sugar test, which helps in assessing the average blood sugar level over the last three months. Designed to offer information regarding long-term glycaemic control, they are a vital part of diabetes care and prevention.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
More than 20 diagnostic tests fall under this category. These tests examine various components of the blood such as red blood cell count, haemoglobin, platelets, total leucocytes and packed-cell volume.
- Lipid Profile
This category of tests helps in measuring the amount of cholesterol (both good and bad) and triglycerides in your blood. These tests can help in assessing the risk of developing heart disease in diabetics.
When to Get Your Blood Sugar Tested?
If you are a diabetic, your doctor will clearly instruct you about how frequently you need to get your blood sugar levels tested. This frequency usually depends on your treatment plan and the type of diabetes. Moreover, those who have not been diagnosed with diabetes can also get this test done, if they experience:
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- High-intensity of fatigue
- Numbness in the feet or hands
- Unexpected weight loss
It’s highly advisable to get checked for diabetes regularly to keep this condition at bay. One can book their diabetes test from the Apollo 24|7 app and get their blood sugar levels tested in the comfort of their home.
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