Blood Glucose: About Your Child's Test

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What is it?

A blood glucose test measures the amount of a type of sugar (glucose) in your child's blood. A few types of tests are used.

  • Fasting blood sugar (FBS) measures blood glucose after your child has not eaten for at least 8 hours. It is often the first test done to check for prediabetes and diabetes.
  • Random blood sugar (RBS) measures blood glucose no matter when your child last ate.

Why is this test done?

Blood glucose tests are done to:

  • Check for diabetes.
  • Check your child's blood glucose level if he or she is sick or planning to be more active.
  • See how well treatment for diabetes is working.

How do you prepare for the test?

Fasting blood sugar (FBS)

For a fasting blood sugar test, make sure that your child doesn't eat or drink anything other than water for at least 8 hours before the test.

If your child has diabetes, he or she may have to wait until after the blood test before taking his or her morning dose of insulin or diabetes medicine.

Random blood sugar (RBS)

There is nothing to do to prepare for this test.

How is the test done?

A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from an arm.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. Ask your doctor when you can expect to have your child's test results.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter B365 in the search box to learn more about "Blood Glucose: About Your Child's Test".

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.