What is The FBS Test, and Why Do You Need It?
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Geetanjali Gupta
Written By Muskan Taneja
on Dec 17, 2024
Last Edit Made By Muskan Taneja
on Dec 17, 2024
Sugar levels play an essential role in keeping you healthy. A low or high level of blood sugar indicates the risk of diabetes. An FBS test can help screen for high blood sugar, diabetes, or prediabetes.
The full form of the FBS test is Fasting blood sugar, which checks the amount of glucose or sugar in the blood.
Studies say more than 50% of Indians with diabetes are unaware of their condition, where negligence rises, regular testing can help curb this situation and provide timely treatment.
But, what is the FBS test? How can it help?
In today’s blog, you will get the answers to every question.
What is an FBS Test?
A fasting blood sugar test (FBS) is performed to screen for diabetes and prediabetes. It checks blood sugar levels and helps detect underlying health issues. Doctors can add the FBS blood test to a patient's routine diagnostic panel.
Your body synthesizes glucose (sugar) to produce energy, but your body doesn’t utilize whole glucose. Instead, the insulin hormone stores glucose and releases it whenever needed.
You may wonder how many hours of fasting are required for the fasting blood sugar test. The World Health Organization recommends at least 8 hours of fasting before the FBS test.
Doctors can also recommend the FBS test to pregnant women to check signs of gestational diabetes.
Why Do You Need the FBS Test?
FBS is important for everyone; however, people with diabetes must take the test. Experts say not everyone experiences symptoms of diabetes or prediabetes, so everyone must take the FBS blood test.
- If you have a family history of diabetes.
- If you have experienced prediabetes, you are at risk of developing diabetes.
- If you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
- If your BMI ranks you overweight.
- If you have excessive fat.
- If you have a health issue.
- If you have experienced higher-than-normal blood glucose levels.
Who Performs a Fasting Blood Sugar Test?
A fasting blood sugar (FBS) test is a blood test performed by a phlebotomist at home, a lab, a doctor’s office, or a hospital.
If you see signs or your doctor recommends the FBS test, you can book it from Redcliffe Labs.
Redcliffe Labs offers fasting blood sugar test prices at just INR 99. You need no special preparation for the fasting blood sugar test; you just need to fast for 8 to 10 hours, before the sample collection.
FBS Test Results
FBS test results are simple to understand, results can either be high, normal, or low. After booking the FBS test from Redcliffe Labs, the phlebotomist will visit your home to collect the sample. You will receive the reports in 12 hours.
Normal fasting blood sugar differs in every age.
| Category | Fasting Blood Sugar Level |
| Above 19 | 90-130 mg/dL or 5.0-7.2 mmol/L |
| 13-18 Years | 90-130 mg/dL or 5.0-7.2 mmol/L |
| 6-12 Years | 90-180 mg/dL or 5.0-10.0 mmol/L |
| Below 6 years | 100-180 mg/dL or 5.5-10.0 mmol |
*The fasting blood sugar results can be in either mg/dL or mmol/L.*
Here is a breakthrough in understanding the range of fasting blood sugar tests.
| Range (mg/dL) | Blood Sugar Levels |
| Below 99 | Normal blood sugar levels |
| 100-125 | Higher than normal, a sign of prediabetes. |
| Above 126 | High blood sugar level is a sign of diabetes. |
Factors that may hinder test results include:
- Environmental condition
- Unclean skin
- Damaged test strips
- More blood in the sample.
Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/diabetes/fasting-blood-sugar-level-normal-levels-testing/
FBS Test Price
A fasting blood sugar or FBS test price is INR 99 after booking from Redcliffe Labs. However, the test price differs in every laboratory. Factors that can affect the FBS test price include:
- Laboratory location
- Quality and reputation of the lab
- Demand in the area
- Discount price
- Comprehensive package amount
- Sample collection fees
Key Takeaways
Regular checkups are a necessity of time. As the world is moving towards development, we are neglecting our health, where regular checkups and diagnostics can ensure health stability. A fasting blood sugar or FBS test is a blood test that measures your sugar levels and locates the risk of diabetes, prediabetes, or gestational diabetes.
The FBS test can help monitor and maintain blood sugar levels during fasting. To monitor your health promptly, you should take the test every three months, especially if you have a family history of diabetes.
Redcliffe Labs is a leading diagnostic service provider that offers quality diagnostics at an affordable price for every Indian. The FBS test costs INR 99; you can easily book it from their website or mobile app. Book the test, measure your blood sugar levels, and take care of your health.
FAQs
Ques1 How many hours of fasting do you need for a fasting blood sugar test?
Ans1: You must fast for 8 to 12 hours or overnight before a fasting blood sugar test.
Ques2 What is the normal blood sugar level?
Ans2 The normal blood sugar levels after fasting are 70-100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). However, it changes after and before meals.
Ques3 How to lower your fasting glucose?
Ans3 You can lower your fasting blood sugar levels through lifestyle modifications like diet and physical exercise. However, consult your doctor and follow the measures provided.
Ques4 What should you eat if your sugar is high?
Ans4 Add foods like green leafy vegetables, berries, whole grains, and non-starchy vegetables if your blood sugar level is high.
