Why get tested?To determine if your blood glucose level is within healthy ranges; to screen for, diagnose, and monitor
hyperglycemia,
hypoglycemia,
diabetes, and
pre-diabetesWhen to get tested?Blood glucose: as part of a regular physical, when you have symptoms suggesting hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, and during
pregnancy; if you are diabetic, up to several times a day to monitor blood glucose levels
Urine glucose: usually as part of a
urinalysisSample required?A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm or, for a self check, a drop of blood from a skin prick; sometimes a
random urine sample is used. Some diabetic patients may use a continuous glucose monitor, which is a small sensor wire inserted beneath the skin of the abdomen that measures blood glucose every five minutes.
Note: In general, it is recommended that you fast 8 hours before having a blood glucose test. In persons with diabetes, however, glucose levels are often checked both while fasting and after meals to provide the best control of diabetes.