Hypoglycemia Test
Submitted by Thiruvelan on Wed, 06/23/2010 - 13:41
If experience hypoglycemic symptoms, then confirm it by measuring the sugar/glucose level in blood. If it is lower than 70 mg/dl it is an indication for hypoglycemia.
Home glucose monitor for testing hypoglycemia
Home glucose monitors, which are often used by people who have diabetes, may be used to evaluate possible hypoglycemia. But a low blood sugar reading needs to be confirmed by these formal laboratory tests, if needed.
Blood sampling site for hypoglycemic test
Test Site: Blood sample taken from the fingertips reflect your “real time” glucose levels, whereas the glucose levels in alternate sites take 20 to 30 minutes to catch up. Therefore, if you feel that your blood glucose may be low, you should test your levels by drawing a sample from your fingertip so you don’t get a false reading. The same rule applies when you have treated low blood glucose with a snack: A fingertip reading will more accurately tell you whether you have successfully treated your low.
Hypoglycemia stages & Blood sugar levels
- blood sugar/glucose levels between 70 and 99 mg/dL.
- blood sugar/glucose level just below 70 mg/dl - mild hypoglycemia.
- blood sugar/glucose level below 55mg/dl - moderate hypoglycemia.
- blood sugar/glucose level drops below 35 to 40 mg/dl - severe hypoglycemia, which is fatal if emergency treatment, not provided?
Urine test for hypoglycemia
A urine test may be done to look for substances called ketones that the body produces when it breaks down fat for energy. Insulin prevents the production of ketones. If you have low blood sugar from too much insulin, your body will not produce ketones. In people who have normal insulin release, prolonged fasting causes a drop in insulin and an increase in ketone production.
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