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Glucose Serum Blood Test Results

The glucose serum test is used to detect hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, pre-diabetes and diabetes. There are a number of different tests that utilize serum blood glucose test results to diagnose these conditions.

  1. Facts

    • Determining what the glucose serum blood test results mean depends on the test being administered. Common glucose blood tests include the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test.

    Normal Results

    • Serum glucose test results above 70 mg/dl and below 100 mg/dl on both the OGTT and the FPG test are considered normal, according to the American Diabetes Association.

    Hypoglycemia

    • Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the blood sugar is too low. Serum blood glucose levels below 70 mg/dl may indicate hypoglycemia. However, additional criteria, according to the Whipple Triad, must be met before this diagnosis can be made.

    Pre-Diabetes vs. Diabetes

    • Diabetes is diagnosed at blood glucose levels of more than 199 mg/dl on the OGTT and more than 125 on the FPG test. Patients whose blood sugar test results are above 100 but below the minimum criteria for diabetes are considered pre-diabetic.

    Considerations

    • Only your physician can appropriately interpret your lab results based on your individual circumstances. People who suspect that they have a problem with serum blood glucose levels should see a doctor immediately to avoid dangerous complications. The American Diabetes Association advocates testing the serum blood glucose at least twice to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes.

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