Insight into your glucose level.
Glucose is your blood sugar level at the moment of the blood draw. Measured while fasting, it gives insight into the way your body regulates blood sugar.
Also known as: blood sugar, fasting glucose
Interpreted by BIG-registered doctors
How Bloodworks works
Order online
Choose your package and preferred location
Receive your lab form
Within 24 hours by email, with appointment planner
Schedule your blood draw
Or choose a walk-in location
Blood draw
Takes just a few minutes
Receive your report
Securely, within a few working days from our physicians
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. That makes results comparable between measurements. It remains a snapshot: the value says 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 test
Eight hours or more without food gives a comparable value
Insulin
The hormone that lowers blood sugar
Snapshot
HbA1c shows the average over 2 to 3 months
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
A fasting measurement is a clear starting point if you want to know how your body regulates blood sugar.
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.
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
How do we read your Glucose level?
Glucose is measured in millimoles per litre (mmol/L). The laboratory states the reference values that apply there alongside your result. Important: a fasting measurement is a snapshot and is influenced by when you last ate, and by illness, stress and sleep.
A low value
A low fasting 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 fasting 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. HbA1c gives additional insight over a longer period.
An elevated value
An elevated fasting glucose may point to reduced blood sugar regulation. Short-term factors also play a role, such as illness, stress, lack of sleep, certain medication or insufficient fasting. A single elevated measurement is therefore not a diagnosis. Our doctor explains what your value means and whether follow-up, such as HbA1c or a repeat test via your GP, is customary.
How we interpret your result
Our doctors interpret your glucose level against the laboratory's reference values 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.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know
Do I need to fast for a glucose test?
Yes, for a reliable fasting glucose you eat nothing for eight hours or more. Drinking water is fine. If you eat or drink something containing sugar, you are not measuring a fasting value and the result is harder to compare.
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.
Can a single elevated result mean diabetes?
No. A single elevated fasting value is not a diagnosis. Illness, stress, lack of sleep, medication or insufficient fasting 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?
In the morning, after a night without food. The fasting period is then longest and measurements are easiest to compare with each other.
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. 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.
Ready for insight into your glucose level?
For €59 you receive your fasting glucose level including personal explanation from a doctor, typically within a few working days. No referral required.
Order Glucose for €49 →Want to test multiple markers at once?
Combine Glucose with other markers via Bloodworks Select. Blood draw costs are waived from €225.
49,-
All-in, blood draw included