Insight into your glucose level.
Glucose is your blood sugar level at the moment of the blood draw. You choose whether to come in fasting or not. Fasting is the usual way to assess blood sugar regulation; non-fasting is a snapshot that is easier to fit into your day.
Also known as: blood sugar, blood glucose, blood sugar level, fasting glucose, non-fasting glucose
Personal assessment by our BIG-registered Bloodworks® doctors
By the Bloodworks editorial team
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Background
What is glucose?
Glucose is the sugar your body uses as its main fuel. After a meal, glucose in your blood rises, after which the pancreas releases insulin. Insulin allows glucose to enter the cells, so the level in the blood falls again. This interplay normally keeps blood sugar within a narrow range.
A fasting measurement shows where your blood sugar sits after a period without food, usually eight hours or more. Because food is taken out of the equation, results are easy to compare between measurements, which is why fasting is the usual way to assess blood sugar regulation. A non-fasting measurement can be done at any time of day, including after a meal. That is easier to plan, but the value depends strongly on what you ate and when, and is therefore harder to compare with a later measurement. Both remain a snapshot: they say something about this moment, not about the past few months. For a picture over a longer period, HbA1c is the usual marker, reflecting average blood sugar over roughly two to three months.
In brief
Fuel
Main source of energy for your cells
Fasting or not
Fasting is the standard, non-fasting is a snapshot
Insulin
The hormone that lowers blood sugar
Snapshot
HbA1c shows the average over 2 to 3 months
This marker is also included in
Testing several values in a single draw takes one blood collection and gives a more complete picture. The choice is yours.
Common reasons to test
When can insight into your Glucose be valuable?
Below are some situations in which measuring Glucose can provide insight.
Insight into your blood sugar
If you want to know how your body regulates blood sugar, the fasting measurement is the usual starting point. If fasting is not practical, the non-fasting measurement gives your value at that moment.
With diabetes in the family
If type 2 diabetes runs in your family, people more often choose to have their blood sugar measured periodically.
With a changing lifestyle
Those adjusting diet, weight or exercise often use fasting glucose as a reference point to track the effect. Measure the same way each time so results stay comparable.
Together with HbA1c
Glucose shows this moment, HbA1c the average over several months. Together they give a fuller picture of blood sugar regulation.
With thirst or fatigue
Persistent thirst, frequent urination or unexplained fatigue are complaints for which people often have their blood sugar checked.
With medication that affects blood sugar
Some medicines, such as corticosteroids, can raise blood sugar. A measurement then gives insight into your current level.
What your result means
Glucose too high or too low: what does your result mean?
Glucose is measured in millimoles per litre (mmol/L). The laboratory states the reference values that apply there alongside your result, and whether the test was performed fasting or non-fasting. That distinction matters when reading the result, because a value taken after eating is not read the same way as a fasting value. Both are a snapshot and are influenced by when you last ate, and by illness, stress and sleep.
A low value
A low glucose is uncommon in healthy people and is often harmless, for example after a long period without food. If a low value comes with symptoms such as trembling, sweating or dizziness, that is a reason to have a doctor look at it. Our doctor provides explanation and context with your result.
A normal value
A glucose within the laboratory's reference values gives a reassuring picture for this marker at this moment. It remains a snapshot: a normal fasting value does not rule out fluctuations after meals, and a normal non-fasting value says little about your value in a fasting state. HbA1c gives additional insight over a longer period.
An elevated value
An elevated glucose may point to reduced blood sugar regulation. Short-term factors also play a role, such as a recent meal, illness, stress, lack of sleep or certain medication. A single elevated measurement is therefore not a diagnosis, and a non-fasting result is harder to judge on its own. Our doctor explains what your value means and whether follow-up, such as HbA1c or a fasting repeat test via your GP, is customary.
How we interpret your result
Our doctors interpret your glucose level against the laboratory's reference values, whether you were fasting, and your personal context, such as lifestyle, medication use and any known conditions.
Related tests
Often combined with Glucose.
A single marker gives one perspective. For a broader picture you can combine Glucose with a theme package or related markers.
+ €29 blood draw fee per orderFree from €225
Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know
Do I need to fast for a glucose test?
You choose that on this page. If you choose fasting, you eat nothing for eight hours or more beforehand; drinking water is fine. If you choose non-fasting, you come in at any time of day and you may have eaten. Both options cost the same.
What is the difference between fasting and non-fasting?
With a fasting measurement your food is taken out of the result, which makes measurements easy to compare with each other. That is the usual way to assess blood sugar regulation. A non-fasting measurement is a snapshot: easier to plan, but the value depends on what you ate and when, and is therefore harder to compare. Your choice is stated on the request form, so the doctor reads your value in the right context.
What is the difference between glucose and HbA1c?
Glucose measures your blood sugar at the moment of the draw. HbA1c reflects average blood sugar over roughly the past two to three months. Glucose is a snapshot, HbA1c shows the trend.
What is a normal blood sugar level?
There is no single number that applies everywhere. Reference values differ between laboratories and also depend on whether you were fasting. The laboratory therefore always states the applicable reference values alongside your result; those are leading. Our doctor explains in your report how your value relates to them.
How much does a glucose blood test cost?
An individual glucose test costs €58 all-in: €29 for the test and €29 blood draw costs. Fasting and non-fasting cost the same. The blood draw, the doctor's review and your PDF report are included. If you want to combine glucose with HbA1c, have a look at the Blood Sugars package.
Can a single elevated result mean diabetes?
No. A single elevated value is not a diagnosis. A recent meal, illness, stress, lack of sleep or medication can temporarily raise the value. Our doctor explains the result and indicates whether a repeat test or further investigation via your GP is customary.
Does coffee affect my fasting glucose?
Black coffee without sugar or milk does not strictly break the fast, but caffeine can slightly affect blood sugar in some people. For a well comparable measurement, it is best to drink only water beforehand.
What time of day is best for the test?
If you choose fasting, the morning after a night without food is the most common: the period without food is longest and measurements are easiest to compare with each other. If you choose non-fasting, any time that suits you is fine.
How often should I have glucose measured?
A single measurement is enough for initial insight. If you are following a lifestyle programme or an abnormal value was found earlier, periodic re-testing is customary. Choose the same option each time, as that is the only way measurements can be compared. Your doctor will advise on this.
What do I do with my result?
You receive a PDF report with your value and personal explanation. What you do with it, such as discussing it with your GP, remains entirely your choice.
In the Health Guide
Read more about this value
Where do you give blood?
You can give blood at collection points across the Netherlands, usually without an appointment.
Find a collection point near you or read how a blood draw works.
Ready for insight into your glucose level?
You choose fasting or non-fasting and receive your glucose level including personal explanation from a doctor, typically within 2 working days. No referral required.
Order Glucose →Want to test multiple markers at once?
Combine Glucose with other markers via Bloodworks Select. The blood draw and collection fee is charged once per order, and is waived from €225.
29,-
+ €29 blood draw fee+ €29 blood draw fee per order