Glucose Testing
The laboratory at CCMA conducts glucose tests to measure the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. Normal is 60-100 mg/dl. CCMA physicians use the test to diagnose or screen for diabetes and to monitor patients who have diabetes. Diabetes affects about 2 percent of the population and is caused by insulin deficiency or the body’s insensitivity to the level of insulin present.
People with a family history of diabetes or who are overweight should have regular glucose screenings. Frequently, the test is part of your yearly exam using a small sample of blood.
When a person’s glucose levels are high, they may experience frequent thirst, hunger or urination and weight loss with increased appetite. The proper treatment of diabetes and correct use of medications resolves these symptoms.
Low blood sugar symptoms include sweating, dizziness and confusion. These symptoms are resolved when the patient eats or drinks something that will get their blood sugars back to normal.