Sugar Test: Price, Purpose, Types & Results [2024]
A sugar test or blood glucose test measures the sugar or glucose level in the blood. It is a blood test used by doctors to diagnose diabetes. In diabetic patients, it is a routine test done after at regular intervals. Usually, health checkups also include sugar tests. Blood sugar test prices range from Rs 50 to Rs 150. Using a home test kit can cost as low as Rs 20.
Test Details in Brief
| Also Known As | Glucose Test, Sugar Fasting, BSL, Blood Sugar Level, FBS, RBS, PPBS |
| Purpose | Check the glucose level in blood and diabetes diagnosis |
| Preparation | Overnight fasting is required for the fasting test. |
| Fasting | Yes |
| Reporting Time | 8 to 24 Hrs. |
| Cost | Rs. 50 to Rs. 150 |
Sugar Test Price
It is a simple and quick test widely available at all diagnostic centres. The price usually ranges from Rs 50 to Rs 150. However, mostly the price is around Rs 100.
As it is an inexpensive test, most lab charges extra for a home collection service. It is more economical to use a home test kit (glucometer).
Sugar test price At Popular Labs:
| Name of Lab | Test Price |
|---|---|
| Dr Lal Path labs | Rs 50 ( City-based ) |
| Thyrocare | Rs 80 |
| Metropolis Healthcare | Rs 90 ( City-based ) |
| SRL Diagnostics | Rs 75 |
Cost in different cities
The sugar test price depends upon the one recommended by your healthcare professional. The cost varies depending upon the lab and the city.
Sugar Test Machine Price
A sugar test machine or glucometer is a reasonably accurate, cheaper and more convenient option for a sugar test at home. It is handy for diabetic people who need regular testing.
Prices for some of the famous brands are given in the table below
| Name of Brand | Machine Price (MRP) | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| Accu-Chek Active Blood | Rs 1599 | Rs 975 (50 Strips) |
| Dr Morepen BG-03 | Rs 2489 | Rs 849 (50 Strips) |
| Control D | Rs 599 | Rs 2149 (100 Strips) |
| BeatO CURV | Rs 1650 | Rs 1000 (50 Strips) |
Purpose of a Sugar Test
Doctors use the test to diagnose the condition of diabetes or prediabetes. For diabetic patients, the test helps in monitoring the glucose level.
Glucose is a primary source of energy, but abnormal glucose levels in the blood can have harmful effects on the body.
The purpose of tests is to determine the sugar levels in the blood. Knowing your blood sugar level helps you adjust the diet, start medication, and manage sugar level. It helps you prevent the symptoms of high and low blood sugar levels. A doctor may ask for the test during:
- Symptoms of diabetes
- Pregnancy
- General checkup
- Pre and post a surgery
- Treatment planning
Types of Sugar tests
Fasting Blood sugar test
FBS is the most helpful test. This test measures the blood sugar level during fasting i.e. 8-12 hours of overnight fasting.
- Fasting sugar level of 99 mg/dL or less than 99 mg/dL is considered normal.
- Value 100- 125 mg/dL indicates prediabetic and a reading more than equal to 126 mg/dL confirms diabetes.
Glucose tolerance test (GTT)
It is used to diagnose type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy.
- The test is performed before and after consuming glucose drink.
- The person to be tested fasts overnight until a sample of blood is withdrawn.
- The fasting blood sample is collected and then one is advised to consume a glucose drink. 50 to 100 gm depending on a doctor advice.
- After 2 hours, again the sample is collected to measure the level of blood sugar.
Post Prandial Blood Sugar Test (PP or PPBS)
The test is used as a final determinant of a diabetes diagnosis. A Post-Prandial test is also used to monitor blood glucose levels.
- Blood sugar level is measured 2 hours after intake of meal.
- Value more than 200 mg/dL indicates diabetes.
Random sugar test
It is used to make any changes required in diabetes treatment.
- Random Sugar test as the name suggests can be performed any time.
- There is no special requirement for a random sugar test.
- Value more than 200 mg/dL indicates diabetes.
Urine Sugar test
A urine sugar test is used to monitor urine glucose and urine ketones. It is helpful to evaluate and monitor kidney functioning.
- The test measures the level of sugar in a sample of urine.
- Presence of sugar in urine indicates glucosuria.
- 0-15 mg/dL is a normal range.
Preparation
Diabetic patients need to monitor their sugar levels constantly. In such cases, at-home sugar test kits can be used without visiting the lab frequently. The sugar test is easy; thus, it can be performed at home.
The most common type of sugar test performed is fasting and random.
For fasting sugar tests, one should stay on fast overnight or without food and drinks (except water) for at least 8 hours before giving the sample. In a random sugar test, there is no preparation required.
A glucose tolerance test (GTT) requires overnight fasting. After collecting blood samples, one must intake a glucose drink. The sugar level is measured again after 2 hours of glucose drink.
Sugar kit test at home
Glucometers or the sugar test kit is a device that shows approximate blood glucose levels in humans.
Its easy usage at home makes it helpful for monitoring. The process involves pricking the finger for a drop of blood. The blood is dropped on the test strip. It is then inserted into a glucometer, and you get the result in 20 seconds.
The results are reasonably accurate, especially for monitoring of control over diabetes.
Level Chart and Results
With different ways of measuring blood sugar, it is essential to know the normal range higher and lower limits. The lower limit denotes prediabetes, and the higher value indicates diabetes.
The given chart below mentions the same.
| Test Type | Normal Range (mg/dL) | Lower Level (mg/dL) Prediabetes | Higher Level (mg/dL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting | 90-110 | 110-125 | >126 |
| Post-prandial | < 140 | 140-199 | > 200 |
| Random | 79-160 | 140-199 | > 200 |
| GTT 1. Fasting 2. After 2 hrs | 90-110 < 140 | 100-125 140-199 | > 126 > 200 |
| Urine Glucose | Nil | Traces | > 1 |
In conclusion, glucose or sugar level tests are essential for diabetes diagnosis. These tests are also crucial during surgery, health checkup or pregnancy.
Many times, diabetes does not provide sufficient symptoms and cause damage to other organs in our body. Thus, it is a good health practice to check sugar levels at least once a year.
₹61 ₹80
Fasting Blood Sugar
Dr Bhumika Rana
Dr Bhumika Rana is a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (B.A.M.S.). Earlier She was an Operation Specialist at AIIMS Delhi & a Medical officer with the National health mission.