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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can I Eat Or Drink Before A Blood Test For Diabetes?

I have been told that in order for a blood/sugar test to be accurate when your MD draws blood that you have to be fasting for 12 hours before the test for it to be accurate . I have also been told that not fasting doesn t matter the test will be accurate even if you have drank or ate anything , even a soft drink . Can you please tell me which is correct ?
Thu, 12 Feb 2015
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello my friend
Thanks for your question on HCM

1...Fasting blood sugar (FBS)

For a fasting blood sugar test, do not eat or drink anything other than water for at least 8 hours before the blood sample is taken.

If you have diabetes, you may be asked to wait until you have had your blood tested before taking your morning dose of insulin or diabetes medicine.
2...2-hour postprandial blood sugar

For a 2-hour postprandial test, start eating a meal exactly 2 hours before the blood sample is taken. A home blood sugar test is the most common way to check 2-hour postprandial blood sugar levels.

3...Random blood sugar (RBS) and glycohemoglobin A1c

No special preparation is required before having a random blood sugar or A1c test.

4...Oral glucose tolerance test

For an oral glucose tolerance test, you'll need to follow a special diet for 3 days before the test. And do not eat, drink, smoke, or exercise strenuously for at least 8 hours before your first blood sample is taken.

To learn more about how to prepare for this test, see Oral Glucose Tolerance Test.

Hope this information is helpful
Best Regards

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results may mean.
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Can I Eat Or Drink Before A Blood Test For Diabetes?

Hello my friend Thanks for your question on HCM 1...Fasting blood sugar (FBS) For a fasting blood sugar test, do not eat or drink anything other than water for at least 8 hours before the blood sample is taken. If you have diabetes, you may be asked to wait until you have had your blood tested before taking your morning dose of insulin or diabetes medicine. 2...2-hour postprandial blood sugar For a 2-hour postprandial test, start eating a meal exactly 2 hours before the blood sample is taken. A home blood sugar test is the most common way to check 2-hour postprandial blood sugar levels. 3...Random blood sugar (RBS) and glycohemoglobin A1c No special preparation is required before having a random blood sugar or A1c test. 4...Oral glucose tolerance test For an oral glucose tolerance test, you ll need to follow a special diet for 3 days before the test. And do not eat, drink, smoke, or exercise strenuously for at least 8 hours before your first blood sample is taken. To learn more about how to prepare for this test, see Oral Glucose Tolerance Test. Hope this information is helpful Best Regards Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results may mean.