Glucose testing screens for blood sugar levels. High blood sugar may indicate diabetes which can lead to blindness, heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and amputations.

When we eat, our body uses the food we eat to create blood sugar or glucose. In healthy people a hormone called insulin, which is made in the pancreas, allows the glucose to enter the body's cells to be used for energy.

Some people either produce too little insulin or their body doesn't respond to it properly. The result is too high a level of glucose in their blood that ultimately leads to diabetes. Over time, diabetes can damage the heart, arteries, eyes, nerves, and kidneys.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that has no cure. From onset, treatment is about damage control and stabilization of blood sugar is essential. The good news is that if you keep your glucose under good control, you can delay or even prevent serious health problems.

Diabetes sometimes has obvious signs, but often people with diabetes do not notice any symptoms until it has caused serious problems. This is why screening for diabetes and maintaining a healthy, stable glucose level is important for your health.

For additional information on diabetes, including the various types of diabetes, risk factors, prevention and treatment, please visit the American Diabetes Association website:  diabetes.org

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FAQ: about glucose testing. Simply scroll down the page to read the answers, or you may click on a question and you will be taken directly to the answer.

• What equipment is used for the test?
• How is the blood sample taken?
• Should I fast before taking the test?
• How long does the test take?
• What test result values are desirable?
• How are the test results presented?
• Is this the best test for a known diabetic for testing blood sugar stability?

A special cassette containing a sample of the patient's blood is inserted into the L·D·X to be analyzed. A unique system separates the plasma from the blood cells, and the plasma then flows to separate test pads. Depending upon the tests being performed, the cassette may have test pads for glucose, Total Cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Reactions to chemicals contained on the test pads, including various enzymes and dyes, cause the pads to exhibit variations in color based upon the contents of the blood plasma. The resulting color of each pad is then measured with a reflectance photometer to produce the test results.

The Cholestech L·D·X requires only a single drop of blood which is taken from a prick of a finger.

The prick is made with an automatic device placed on the end of the finger. When the device is triggered, a small, short needle makes the prick.

This automatic device minimizes any sensation by making the prick instantaneous and by making the force applied minimal and precise.

The drop of blood sitting upon the finger is drawn into a miniature straw-like device. The blood is then released onto the test cassette described above. Each automatic pricking device is disposed of after a single use.

Yes, you should not ingest anything except water, black coffee, and prescribed medications for eight (8) hours prior to testing.

Note:  If you are also fasting to have your triglyceride level tested, the period of fasting should be 12 hours.

The test takes about five minutes from start to finish. It takes just a minute to draw the blood sample, and then about four minutes for the Cholestech L·D·X to calculate the results.

The Cholestech L·D·X requires an additional three minutes if triglycerides are being evaluated.

Normal fasting glucose levels are less than 110 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter) according to the American Diabetes Association (see webpage link, above).

Written test results are presented to each patient so that they can keep them for historical records and present them to their doctor.

No, Hemoglobin A1-C is the best test as it measures blood sugar stability over the previous 2 to 3 months. See Hemoglobin A1-C testing for additional information.

While test results are important indicators, they do not constitute a diagnosis. Discuss your results with your doctor on your next visit.