It is a relatively simple, accurate, and inexpensive test that can screen for diabetes and problems withinsulinfunctioning.
It may also be used for people who havesymptoms of diabetesor multiple risk factors for diabetes.
Your healthcare provider will advise you about any medication adjustments you might need to make before your test.
Illustration by Alex Dos Diaz for Verywell Health
If you have any questions about the test, ask your healthcare provider at this time.
You may be responsible for a co-pay or co-insurance fee.
Call yourinsurance companyto determine if you will have any out-of-pocket expenses for the test.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
You might also want to bring a book or magazine in case you get stuck in the waiting room.
To avoid this, bring along a snack to eat right after your test is complete.
Pre-Test
Once you arrive, check-in at the front desk.
You may need to fill out insurance billing forms or consent forms.
Tell the technician if you start to feel woozy or lightheaded.
It can help to look away from the blood collection if necessary.
This point-of-care test usually gets quick results and is only slightly uncomfortable, not painful.
Results may be lower if blood is drawn in the afternoon rather than in themorning.
A healthcare professional should consider a persons full medical history when conducting this test and interpreting the results.
Depending on your confirmed results, there are several courses of action.
In that case, you and your healthcare provider will discuss setting up a treatment plan.
Prediabetes (and throw in 2 diabetes, for that matter) are reversible conditions.
Low FPG and Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar
An FPG reading below 70 mg/dL is considered hypoglycemia.
The types are treated differently.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Abnormal results can help guide you to make lifestyle changes and determine medication adjustments if needed.
Other tests like the A1C or glucose tolerance test may be needed depending on results.
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