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FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar)

Also referred as

Glucose - Fasting (F)

Fasting Blood Sugar

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The FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar) test measures the glucose (sugar) level in the blood after overnight fasting. This test is done when a person experiences symptoms of high or low blood sugar levels or to assess a person’s risk for diabetes. It is often done as part of a routine health checkup.

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Preparations

Overnight fasting required for 8 to 12 hours

Sample Collection

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Understanding FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar)

Glucose is the primary energy source for the body. Carbohydrates in the food are broken down into glucose, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the cells for energy. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, regulates the blood glucose level in the body. A lack of insulin or its reduced effectiveness can result in high blood glucose levels.

High blood glucose levels can be a sign of diabetes or prediabetes (a condition where a person has high blood glucose levels but not yet at a level that qualifies as diabetes). Early detection and treatment of diabetes are essential to prevent complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve damage. An FBS test helps screen for prediabetes and diabetes and checks the effectiveness of medications or lifestyle changes for diagnosed people.

Fasting for at least 8-12 hours is recommended before undergoing the FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar) test. Do not eat or drink anything other than water during the fasting period. It is also important to inform the doctor about any medicines being taken, as some may affect the blood glucose levels and need to be adjusted or temporarily discontinued before the test.

Test result ranges may vary across the laboratories depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Do not self-medicate; always consult your doctor to understand your test results. The results will help them understand your condition, suggest lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, decide if you need medication, and create a treatment plan.

Lifestyle Tips to Manage Your Blood Glucose Levels:

🥤Hydration: Stay hydrated! Drinking enough water supports overall health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

🥙Eat (Diet): Focus on a balanced diet rich in fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Include whole grains, vegetables, nuts, and seeds to help manage blood sugar.

🚴‍♀️Activity (Exercise): Regular physical activity like walking, cycling, or strength training can help manage a healthy body weight and lower elevated FBS levels.

😴Lifestyle (Sleep): Get enough quality sleep to help regulate blood sugar levels.

👨‍⚕️Talk to Your Doctor (Consult): Regularly consult your doctor to understand your FBS test results and adjust your diabetes management plan if needed.

💊Habits (Supplements): Consider supplements like magnesium, chromium, etc. (if your doctor advises) to support healthy blood sugar levels.

Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) & Diabetes Types

What does FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar) measure?

The FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar) test measures the glucose level in the body under overnight fasting conditions. Glucose is the body's energy currency and is broken down through metabolism to produce energy. Hormones and enzymes produced by the liver and pancreas control this process. The hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, regulates blood glucose levels. When these levels are high, such as after a meal, insulin is secreted to transport glucose into cells for energy production. Elevated glucose levels in the body after fasting may indicate a risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes, which can be of two types: Type 1, caused by little or no insulin production, and Type 2, caused by insulin resistance or decreased insulin production.

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FAQs related to FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar)

What is the Fasting Blood Sugar test?

The FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar) test is a blood test that helps determine blood sugar levels after 8-12 hours of fasting.

Why is an FBS test important?

The FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar) test is important because it helps determine the risk of diabetes, and other glucose metabolism disorders.

How do I prepare for an FBS test?

Do not eat or drink anything except water for 8-12 hours before the test. It is also important to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some of them can affect blood glucose levels and may need to be adjusted or temporarily discontinued before the test.

What are the risks associated with an FBS test?

The risks associated with an FBS test are generally minimal. However, some people may experience mild pain or discomfort at the site from where the blood sample is taken.

Can I take the Fasting Blood Glucose test during pregnancy?

Yes, the Fasting Blood Glucose test is commonly used during pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes, which is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.

What is hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a condition when the blood sugar levels fall below the normal levels.

What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?

Symptoms of hypoglycemia include excessive sweating, frequent hunger, shivering or trembling, confusion, and blurring of vision.

What is hyperglycemia?

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) is a condition when the blood sugar level increases above the normal levels. This condition may indicate prediabetes or diabetes.

What are the symptoms of hyperglycemia?

Symptoms of Hyperglycemia include increased thirst, frequent urge to urinate, weakness, tiredness (fatigue), blurring of vision, and slow wound healing.

What are the risk factors for diabetes?

The most common risk factors for diabetes include being obese or overweight with low physical activity, having a family history of diabetes, or having high blood pressure. Other reasons that can cause diabetes include low good cholesterol or high triglyceride levels, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or cardiovascular diseases.

Can factors other than hormones and diet affect my blood sugar levels?

Yes, blood sugar levels may increase due to certain medications, during pregnancy, and temporarily due to stress.

What are the common complications of diabetes?

Some common complications of uncontrolled diabetes include heart diseases like coronary artery disease(CAD), diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina of the eye ), and diabetic neuropathy (damage to the nerves). It may also cause diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage), diabetic foot (foot ulcers that may turn gangrenous), and other serious conditions like hearing impairment and severe skin conditions.

What other tests can be prescribed by the doctor in case the result of the Fasting Blood Sugar test is not normal?

Additional tests that may help diagnose diabetes include HbA1c, Urine Glucose, Blood Glucose-Post-prandial (PP), Random Blood Glucose, and Oral Glucose Tolerance tests.

What is the price of the FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar) test?

The price of the FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar) test can vary depending on your location, diagnostic laboratory, and whether the test is done as a single test or as part of a health screening package.

How can I control diabetes?

To control diabetes, it's essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, weight management, and consistent monitoring of blood sugar levels. Medications or insulin therapy, as prescribed by a healthcare provider, can also be a key part of controlling diabetes.

What does type 2 diabetes mean?

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body either becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. This leads to high blood sugar, which can affect overall health if not managed properly.

What should a diabetic patient do to manage their condition?

A diabetic patient should monitor their blood sugar regularly, follow a diabetes-friendly diet, exercise, take prescribed medications, and consult with their healthcare provider for ongoing management. It's also important to manage stress and ensure regular checkups for early detection of complications.

What is prediabetes, and how can it be managed?

Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Managing prediabetes involves making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, losing excess weight, and monitoring blood sugar regularly.

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Last Updated

11th Sep 2025