Blood Glucose: About Your Child's Test
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 or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) 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 https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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Current as of: October 2, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
