Fasting Glucose

Definition

Fasting glucose is the level of sugar in your blood after you haven't eaten for at least 8 hours. It's often measured to check for diabetes or other health conditions related to blood sugar levels.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Fasting glucose refers to the concentration of glucose in the blood after an overnight fast, typically defined as a duration of 8 to 12 hours without caloric intake. It is a critical measure used in diagnosing insulin resistance, prediabetes, and diabetes mellitus due to its direct relationship with the body's ability to regulate glucose metabolism.

Benefits

• Helps monitor glucose levels for diabetes management.
• Can indicate risk for developing diabetes early.
• Aids in assessing metabolic health.

Examples

• A blood test taken after an overnight fast to measure glucose levels.
• Routine health check-up for individuals with a history of diabetes.

Additional Information

• Importance: Fasting glucose is important for evaluating how well an individual's body controls glucose levels, which is essential for maintaining energy balance and overall health.

Related Terms

• Blood Sugar
• Insulin
• Prediabetes
• Glucose Tolerance Test
• Glycemic Index

References

• Understanding Fasting Plasma Glucose and Diabetes
• Fasting Glucose - An Important Diagnostic Tool