Living With Healthy Hunger Health Blog
High blood glucose in the body is mainly due to diabetes(Type 1 and Type 2). Although diabetes is the most common cause for high blood sugar, there are other conditions that can cause hyperglycaemia or high blood sugar.
Hyperglycaemia indicates that there is an abnormal rise in the levels of glucose in the blood.
So what can cause high blood glucose apart from diabetes?
One of the reasons there may be a high glucose level detected in your blood sugar test is Pancreatitis. This is an inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreas are responsible for the enzymes that help digestion and for hormones that help regulate the way sugar is processed in the body.
Another reason for high blood sugar is Pancreatic Cancer. This cancer often goes undetected before it is too late as there are no symptoms in the early stages.
The third reason for an abnormal blood sugar test report can be Hyperthyroidism. This affects the way body uses energy.
Cushing’s Syndrome can also raise your blood sugar. It is a primary adrenal gland disease. Overuse of corticosteroids can cause Cushing’s.
If your body has some unusual tumours that secrete hormones such as glucagonoma or growth-hormone secreting tumours can also cause hyperglycaemia.
Certain medications can also raise the levels of blood sugar in the body. These medications include
- Prednisone
- Oestrogens
- beta-blockers
- glucagon
- oral contraceptives
- phenothiazines
Blood sugar can also rise due to other factors such as surgery, trauma, stroke or a heart attack.
So, how can you determine your blood sugar level is high?
There are two types of blood sugar test – FBS test and RBS test that can determine the level of glucose in your blood.
Let’s find out more about the FBS test and the RBS test.
RBS test
RBS test stands for Random blood sugar test.
When can the RBS test be done?
No special preparation is required for the RBS test. It can be done anytime.
What kind of test is the RBS test?
The RBS test is a simple blood test. A blood sample is drawn from the vein and sent to be tested at the blood.
What do my blood sugar test results mean?
Since RBS test is a random blood sugar test, the results also depend on when you last ate.
- The normal level of glucose is below 125 mg/dL
- Abnormal level of 140-199 mg/dL
- Anything above 200 mg/dL is also abnormal
FBS test
FBS test stands for fasting blood sugar test.
How to prepare for the FBS test
Since the FBS test is a fasting blood sugar test, it is important to not eat or drink anything for 8 hours leading up to the FBS test.
What kind of test is the FBS test?
The FBS test is a simple blood test just like the RBS test. A sample of your blood is drawn and then sent off for testing.
Can you take the FBS test at home?
Yes, you can take the FBS test at home. You will need to fast for 8 hours so it is recommended that you fast overnight and take the FBS test at home first thing in the morning.
What does the blood sugar test report mean?
For the FBS test,
- A normal blood sugar level is 70-100 mg/dL
- Abnormal blood sugar level 100-125 mg/dL
- Above 126 mg/dL is also abnormal
Since the FBS test and RBS test are only indicators of blood sugar levels, additional tests may be advised by your doctor to determine whether you have hyperglycaemia due to diabetes or some other reasons.
If you do not experience any of the typical symptoms of diabetes like excessive thirst, hunger, urination, weight loss or gain then it is best to seek medical attention in case your blood sugar test reveals hyperglycaemia.
You can also choose to take the FBS test at home and have the reports home-delivered with the help of Portea. Portea’s medical team can expertly guide and assist you through the process.
