Blood Sugar (Fasting/Postprandial/RBS)

A Blood Sugar test (also known as a Blood Glucose test) is a simple and essential diagnostic test used to measure the level of glucose—your body’s main source of energy—in the blood. It helps in the detection, diagnosis, and management of diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia, and other metabolic disorders.

There are three main types of blood sugar tests:

🔹

1. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS):

• Done after 8–10 hours of fasting

• Helps detect baseline glucose level

• Normal range: 70–99 mg/dL

• 100–125 mg/dL = Prediabetes

• ≥126 mg/dL = Diabetes

🔹

2. Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS):

• Done 2 hours after a meal

• Measures how well your body manages glucose after eating

• Normal range: <140 mg/dL

• 140–199 mg/dL = Prediabetes

• ≥200 mg/dL = Diabetes

🔹

3. Random Blood Sugar (RBS):

• Can be done at any time of the day

• Useful in emergency cases or routine checkups

• A level of ≥200 mg/dL may indicate diabetes (especially with symptoms)

🔹

Why It’s Done:

• To screen for diabetes

• To monitor blood sugar control in diabetic patients

• To assess symptoms like frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, or increased thirst

• As part of routine health checkups

🔹

Procedure:

• A small blood sample is taken from a vein or fingertip.

• FBS requires fasting, PPBS requires eating 2 hours prior, and RBS needs no preparation.

• Results are typically available within a few hours.

🔹

Advantages:

• Quick and inexpensive

• Crucial for early diagnosis and management of diabetes

• Helps prevent long-term complications like kidney failure, vision loss, and heart disease

The Blood Sugar (FBS/PPBS/RBS) test is vital for anyone at risk of or living with diabetes, offering a clear picture of your blood glucose levels and helping guide necessary lifestyle or medical interventions.