The blood level of glucose (the sugar used by the body for energy) may be measured if diabetes is suspected. A random blood sugar test measures the level of glucose in a blood specimen collected at any time. If this is abnormally raised, fasting blood sugar will be measured on blood collected after a 12- hour fast. If the fasting blood sugar is raised. a glucose tolerance test will be recommended to discover how efficiently the body can use glucose. A fasting blood sample is collected, and then the patient is given a drink containing a measured amount of glucose. Samples of blood are collected by finger prick at half-hourly intervals for the next 3 hours. The glucose level of all samples is measured and the results plotted on a graph. The shape of the resulting blood sugar curve reflects the body’s response to glucose absorbed from the gut and indicates whether or not the patient has diabetes mellitus.
You can also follow these tips to help ensure accuracy when you measure your blood pressure at home: