A Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) test is a common and important diagnostic tool used to measure the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood after an overnight fast. Here are the primary reasons for taking an FBS test:

1. Diagnose Diabetes or Prediabetes: The FBS test is often used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes. Elevated fasting blood sugar levels can indicate that your body is not properly managing blood glucose, a hallmark of diabetes.

2. Monitor Diabetes: For those already diagnosed with diabetes, regular FBS tests can help monitor the effectiveness of treatment plans and ensure that blood sugar levels are being managed appropriately.

3. Assess Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases: High blood sugar levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. An FBS test helps in evaluating this risk and taking preventive measures if needed.

4. Detect Insulin Resistance: The test can help in detecting insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells don’t respond properly to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

5. Evaluate Overall Health: As part of routine health check-ups, an FBS test provides valuable information about your metabolic health and can help identify potential health issues early.

6. Guide Lifestyle Changes: Results from an FBS test can help guide necessary lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, to improve overall health and prevent the progression of prediabetes to diabetes.

Normal Fasting Blood Sugar Levels

• Normal: 70-99 mg/dL (3.9-5.5 mmol/L)
• Prediabetes: 100-125 mg/dL (5.6-6.9 mmol/L)
• Diabetes: 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests

It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding preparation for the test and interpretation of the results.