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Is Blood Sugar Levels Checked Before Breakfast?

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Posted on Mon, 23 May 2016
Question: I checked my blood sugar and it was 175. I'm new to checking my blood sugar. Is it done before I eat or after in the morning. I did it before I ate.
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Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Diabetes

Detailed Answer:
If you have diabetes, then you need to ask your doctor how (s)he would have you check your blood sugars ie before meals or after. This is so because the answer depends on many factors such as whether or not you are on medication which can lower the blood glucose below normal.

If you do not have diabetes, then I suggest you do not check your sugars at home. First ascertain if you really have diabetes or not.

When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:

CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your 3 month glucose average)
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH
25 hydroxy Vitamin D

None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day

Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

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Is Blood Sugar Levels Checked Before Breakfast?

Brief Answer: Diabetes Detailed Answer: If you have diabetes, then you need to ask your doctor how (s)he would have you check your blood sugars ie before meals or after. This is so because the answer depends on many factors such as whether or not you are on medication which can lower the blood glucose below normal. If you do not have diabetes, then I suggest you do not check your sugars at home. First ascertain if you really have diabetes or not. When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination: CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts) Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular) HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your 3 month glucose average) Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase) Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine) TSH 25 hydroxy Vitamin D None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day