Glucose Blood Test

What Is a Glucose Test?

A glucose test measures how much glucose (GLOO-kose) is in the blood. Glucose is a kind of sugar the body uses for energy.

Why Are Glucose Tests Done?

Glucose tests check for low or high levels of glucose. Doctors may do the test to:

• screen for problems as part of a routine checkup
• see why a child hasn’t been feeling well
• monitor the levels of some medicines that can raise blood sugar levels (like steroids)
• check for gestational diabetes (a kind of diabetes that comes on during pregnancy) 

Sometimes doctors order the test if kids have low blood sugar symptoms like shakiness, fast heartbeat, or sweating or high blood sugar symptoms like peeing a lot, drinking a lot, or feeling tired.

Top Things to Know

• The glucose test checks the level of a sugar called glucose in the blood.
• Doctors may order it for a number of reasons, like if there are symptoms of diabetes.
• Kids might need to stop taking certain medicines or not eat or drink before the blood test.
• Your doctor can explain what it means if glucose levels are too low or too high.

How Can I Help My Child Prepare for a Blood Test?

To help kids get ready for a blood test, find out if they need to fast (not eat or drink) or should stop taking medicines before the test. Explain what to expect during the test. If your child is nervous about it, work together on ways to stay calm. Deep breathing or even imagining being in a place that makes your child feel safe and relaxed can help.

What Do Glucose Test Results Mean?

Your doctor will explain what the results of the glucose test mean for your child. “Normal” glucose levels vary based on things like age and gender.

A low glucose level is called hypoglycemia. Sometimes it’s because of problems with the liver, kidneys, thyroid gland, or adrenal glands.

Problems with the thyroid and adrenal glands can also cause a high level of glucose called hyperglycemia. So can diabetes, other pancreas problems, certain medicines, and stress from things like trauma or surgery.

What Else Should I Know?

If the glucose level is low or high, your child may need other tests. For example, if the level is high and it might be due to diabetes, the doctor will do more blood tests to find out what type of diabetes it is.

If you have questions about the glucose test or what the results mean, talk to your doctor.