A non-fasting glucose test measures the amount ofglucose(sugar) in your blood after eating.
Normal non-fasting glucose levels are below 140 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL).
If they’re between 140 and 199 mg/dL, you may haveprediabetes.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
If they’re above 200 mg/dL, you may havediabetes.
A non-fasting glucose test is different than a fasting glucose test.
Normal results are different for each test.
Non-fasting blood glucose offers an additional benefit in that it can also help inform diabetes management.
It tells you how well your body is processing blood sugar without food.
These test results can help your healthcare provider determine what treatment options are best for you.
Glucose screening test:This blood glucose test is done in pregnant people between 24 and 28 weeks gestation.
These blood glucose readings help your healthcare team manage your treatment plan.
Hemoglobin A1C test:This is another non-fasting blood glucose test often referred to as A1C.
Hemoglobin A1C is measured as a percentage.
What Is Blood Glucose?
Blood glucoseis the body’s main energy source.
Food you eat gets broken down into sugar and sent to the blood.
This is most likely to happen in someone with low iron levels, kidney failure, or liver disease.
Certain medications or vitamin supplements likevitamin Ecan also increase your A1C levels.
Stress and poor sleep habits can also play a role in elevated A1C levels.
Risks of Low Non-Fasting Blood Glucose
Hypoglycemia is a blood glucose level below 70 mg/dL.
If a person has hypoglycemia and the glucose is too low, it could result in adiabetic coma.
If the person is unconscious, it is vital to call 911 immediately.
Risks of High Non-Fasting Glucose Levels
Hyperglycemia is high blood sugar.
And if your blood sugar climbs too high and is left untreated, you risk lapsing into adiabetic coma.
This is when toxic acids (called ketones) build up in the blood.
This is an extremely serious condition that can cause coma or death.
Regularly monitoring non-fasting blood sugars at home can help prevent or manage hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
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