Glucose is a vital source of energy for the body, and it mainly
comes from foods that are high in carbohydrates. Optimal levels
of glucose are required for the body for its normal functioning;
however, high or low levels can be the cause of many diseases.
The fasting blood sugar test is used to measure the amount of
glucose in the blood. It may also be called a blood glucose
level test. The results of this test help to diagnose if an
individual already has diabetes or a pre-diabetes condition, and
to assess the progress of diabetes treatment. It is also used to
identify if an individual has a low glucose level, leading to a
condition called hypoglycemia. The test is called a fasting
test, because it requires the individual to avoid eating or
drinking anything except water for 8 hours before the test. To
perform this test, an elastic band is tightened around the upper
arm and blood is drawn from the vein using a needle. After
collection of the blood sample, a cotton swab containing
antiseptic alcohol is provid