Glucose (blood)
Background:
Diagnosis and monitoring of hypoglycaemia or diabetes mellitus
For glucose tolerance tests, please send 0/120 minute samples together, ensuring time of sample draw is indicated on the tubes. If the patient is pregnant, please state this in the clinical details.
Reference ranges:
| Age range | Reference range (mmol/L) | |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting | All ages/sexes | 3 - 6 |
| Random | < 30 days | 2.5 - 5 |
| Random | Adults | 3.5 - 9 |
Derived from Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry 5th Ed. 2001
Results outside the reference range do not necessarily indicate disease. Similarly, results within the reference range do not preclude abnormality. Please contact the Duty Biochemist for discussion of individual patient results.
Interpretation of Glucose Tolerance Tests
| 0 minutes (mmol/L) | 120 minutes (mmol/L) | Interpretation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 6.1 | and | < 7.8 | Normal |
| 6.1 - 6.9 | and | < 7.8 | Impaired fasting glucose |
| < 7.0 | and | 7.8 - 11.0 | Impaired glucose tolerance |
| ≥ 7.0 | and/or |
≥11.1 |
Diabetes mellitus |
Derived from WHO Definition and Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus and Intermediate Hyperglycemia (2006)
Interpretation of Glucose Tolerance Tests in pregnancy
| 0 minutes (mmol/L) | 120 minutes (mmol/L) | Interpretation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 5.5 | and | < 7.8 | Normal |
| ≥ 5.6 | and/or | ≥ 7.8 | Gestational diabetes mellitus |
Derived from NICE Guidelines (NG3) Diabetes in Pregnancy - February 2015
Other Comments:
For more information, please see the following:
Glucose - Lab Tests Online
Fasting guidelines
See also: HbA1c, Fructosamine, Insulin, C-peptide
Department: Biochemistry
Requirement:
- Fluoride oxalate (grey top)
Turnaround Time:
Within 24 hours