Home > Encyclopedia of Children's Health > Blood Sugar Tests

Definition

Blood sugar or plasma glucose tests are used to determine the concentration of glucose in blood. These tests are used to detect an increased blood glucose (hyperglycemia) or a decreased blood glucose (hypoglycemia).

Purpose

Blood glucose tests are used in a variety of situations, including the following:

• Screening persons for diabetes mellitus: The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that a fasting plasma glucose (fasting blood sugar) be used to diagnose diabetes. If the person already has symptoms of diabetes, a...