How To Check Your Fasting Blood Sugar Levels

In order to find out your fasting blood sugar levels, you will have to take a fasting blood glucose test.  This test is done in several steps and entails more than just your blood glucose level.  The test has to be done in the morning, before you can put a bite to eat or drink in your mouth.  This test can determine if you may suffer from heart disease or contract diabetes. 

The test can be done at a physician’s office and the results are determined at a laboratory.  There are two parts to this test.  The first part is the fasting lipids test and the second part is the fasting blood sugar test.

The fasting lipids test is responsible for providing your total cholesterol, HDL/LDL cholesterol and triglycerides values.  The physician is about the only medical personnel that can decipher the test results.  He will be able to advise you of your cholesterol levels. 

Your physician will also be able to advise you if you have a high triglyceride level.  If that is the case, you will be advised not to consume so much sugar and alcohol.  If your HDL level is not up to par, you could be a prime candidate for heart disease and other related health issues.  You could also experience blocked arteries.  Your HDL levels can increase by adding more activities to your lifestyle, or if you’re into wine, drink one to two glasses every day. 

The second part of the test is the actual fasting blood sugar level test.  This test determines how much sugar you have in your bloodstream.  If the levels are elevated, you may be a candidate for pre-diabetes.  Or, it may be a little more advanced that you’ve been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.  To pinpoint your exact results, your physician will have more tests done on you to determine a precise diagnosis.

Another part of the fasting blood sugar test is the glucose tolerance test.  When you have been found to have a high glucose level in your bloodstream, it can determine which phase of diabetes you’ve been diagnosed with.  No matter what, you can still make some lifestyle changes to your life.  A lifestyle change can prevent you from having additional health problems or a stroke. 

If you fall into on or more of the following categories, you should get a fasting blood test if:

• You’re 55 years old or older
• Diabetes runs in your family
• Overweight or Obese
• You’re expecting a baby and your blood glucose level is high
• Have High Blood Pressure
• Have heart disease or related condition

You will be able to monitor your blood sugar levels better if you test yourself several times a day.  If you find out that something you ate contributed to your high level. Get rid of it as soon as possible.  You should also incorporate some light exercises to keep your blood level stable.  There have been miracles shared in relation to exercise and medication.  Once you get on the bandwagon with this, you can do the same thing for yourself.