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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Tests and Exams > Blood Glucose Tests: Results and Values
      Category : Health Centers > Diabetes

Blood Glucose Tests

Alternate Names : Blood Sugar

Blood Glucose Tests | Results and Values | Attribution


What do the test results mean?

The normal blood glucose levels also vary depending on:

  • which test was performed
  • whether a person was fasting before the test
  • whether any special dietary or glucose substances were given during testing
  • Increased levels of blood glucose, a condition known as hyperglycemia, may be caused by the following:

  • acromegaly, a condition that causes elongation of the bones of the limbs and head
  • Cushing syndrome, a condition in which the level of the hormone cortisol is too high and causes fatigue, weakness, protein loss, swelling, and diabetes mellitus, which is also called DM
  • diabetes mellitus
  • diuretics, also known as water pills
  • gestational diabetes, or diabetes that develops during pregnancy
  • inadequate therapy for diabetes mellitus
  • infection in the pancreas, known as pancreatitis
  • kidney failure, such as chronic renal failure
  • liver disease, such as cirrhosis
  • pheochromocytoma, which is a noncancerous tumor that causes an increase in certain chemicals that can cause high blood pressure
  • steroid medicines, such as prednisone
  • stress response, including infection, severe burns, or surgery
  • Decreased levels of blood glucose, a condition known as hypoglycemia, may be caused by the following:

  • Addison disease, a condition in which there is a decreased amount of the adrenocorticol hormone
  • blood loss
  • extensive liver disease
  • hypopituitarism, a condition in which the pituitary gland does not release enough hormone
  • hypothyroidism, a condition in which too little thyroid hormone is present in the blood
  • insulin overdose
  • insulinoma, which is a tumor in the pancreas that causes too much insulin to be produced
  • malabsorption, or inadequate absorption of nutrients from the stomach or intestines
  • starvation

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    Blood Glucose Tests: Overview & Description

     

    Blood Glucose Tests: Attribution

    Author: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Reviewer: Melinda Murray Ratini, DO
    Date Reviewed: 06/10/02









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    Page Last Updated: 6th April, 2009