Glucose test

Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body. Some cells (for example, brain and red blood cells), are almost totally dependent on blood glucose as a source of energy. The brain, in fact, requires that glucose concentrations in the blood remain within a certain range in order to function normally. Concentrations of less than about 30 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or greater than about 300 mg/dL can produce confusion or unconsciousness.

The major hormone regulating glucose concentration in the body is insulin (although other hormones such as glucagon, epinephrine, and cortisol also affect it).

Glucose levels are measured most commonly to diagnose diabetes or to monitor adequacy of diabetic control. Diabetes is a very common disease, affecting about 2% of the general population, that results from insulin deficiency or insensitivity by the body to the level of insulin present. People with type 1 diabetes require daily injections of insulin to control their disease. Injection of too much or too little insulin can be dangerous because there is a limited range of blood sugar levels in which the brain can function normally.

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