Glucose: What It Means for Your Health
Blood glucose (blood sugar) is the primary source of energy for your body's cells. It comes from the food you eat and is regulated by insulin (which lowers it) and glucagon (which raises it). Fasting glucose is measured after at least 8 hours without eating and is the most common screening test for diabetes and prediabetes. Maintaining stable blood sugar is crucial for energy, brain function, and long-term health.
Reference Range
Reference ranges may vary between laboratories, age groups, and sexes. The values shown are general adult reference ranges. Always compare your results to the specific range provided by your testing laboratory.
What Is Glucose?
Blood glucose (blood sugar) is the primary source of energy for your body's cells. It comes from the food you eat and is regulated by insulin (which lowers it) and glucagon (which raises it). Fasting glucose is measured after at least 8 hours without eating and is the most common screening test for diabetes and prediabetes. Maintaining stable blood sugar is crucial for energy, brain function, and long-term health.
Commonly included in:
What Does High Glucose Mean?
Elevated fasting glucose indicates impaired glucose metabolism. Prediabetes is defined as 100-125 mg/dL; diabetes is 126 mg/dL or above (confirmed on two occasions). Causes include type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, pancreatitis, Cushing syndrome, and certain medications (steroids, thiazides). Chronic hyperglycemia damages blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, and eyes.
What Does Low Glucose Mean?
Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia, below 70 mg/dL) can cause shakiness, sweating, confusion, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and in severe cases, seizures or loss of consciousness. Causes include excessive insulin or diabetes medication, prolonged fasting, excessive exercise, alcohol consumption, and rarely, insulin-producing tumors (insulinoma).
Related Biomarkers in Metabolic Panel
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for interpretation of your blood test results and before making any health decisions.