blood test?

Question

I had a blood test earlier this week and have now been told that i will have to do a fasting test...does this mean i have diabetes? or do they do fasting test for other things?
I have been feeling very tired lately(although i have just got over a virus of some sort and other members of my family).
Im dreading having diabetes and feel very frightened of the results.

its a 12hr no food or drink except plenty of water...i was initially tested for thyroid problems..im gaining weight quickly,have no appetite, and im very tired amd irratible.
thankyou for the replies

Answer 1

A fasting blood test is common for a variety of things, from iron levels, potassium, phosphorous, lipds, cholesterol, thyroid, glucose, etc., and it's possible that your doctor wants to check the levels of a number of things. The foods we eat can affect the levels and the results of these tests, so fasting to determine the 'trough' levels of these factors is often important. Without knowing what your doctor is looking for, or what specific test)s) are ordered, it would be hard to say if diabetes is the reason. I wouldn't worry about having to do a fasting blood test, though. They're being done to try to determine the root causes of why you're feeling not-too-well, so that proper treatment can be started to get you feeling better. Even if it is diabetes, it's best to find it sooner rather than later, and begin treatment immediately to minimize risks of futre complications. And diabetes, while meaning lifestyle changes (better eating habits, exercise, monitoring of blood sugar levels and possibly medicinal regimen), doesn't mean the end of the world. It will take a commitment on your part, and it may not always be easy, but you have to work at controlling it, rather than letting it control you. But, again, without more information, it would be difficult to know what your doctor is looking for, so saying "diabetes" is a bit of a leap in the dark. Just relax, and get the blood drawn, and don't worry.

Answer 2

Blood Test

Answer 3

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Answer 4

A fasting blood test may confirm one way or another your GP's suspicions, and will help give a clearer picture of any deficiencies, how the liver, kidneys and thyroid are functioning for example. It should help eliminate any other possible causes for your not feeling well.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes you will probably have two reactions, one is relief that you now know what is wrong, and the other may be panic - how are you going to cope, (and the same will go for anything else that you may be diagnosed with if not diabetes). Don't worry, your medical team will be there to help you and give you advice. There is also plenty of information available but do make sure it is from a reliable source as there is a lot of scaremongering going on. I suggest Diabetes UK or the American equivalent for information.

With sensible diet and medication or insulin there is no reason why you can't live a perfectly normal life although it may take a little while to adjust.

Answer 5

2

Answer 6

It means that they need to get a good reading of whatever things they measure - and that includes sugar levels. If you eat then the food will alter the readings. It doesn't mean that they are looking for diabetes as such - they can be looking for anything. You never know -maybe you ate a chocolate bar that affected the levels.

My OH had to have a blood test, which involved fasting first. His original problem was gout, and it was to check for that, not diabetes.

If you are concerned that you have diabetes, then ask your doctor. He/she may be able to tell you that they're not looking at that at all. No point worrying about something that may be nothing - worrying/stress is bad in itself!

Answer 7

I expect that's what they're testing you for, but it doesn't mean that you have it. Diabetes can lower you immune system so lots of people have viruses etc. before they are diagnosed. Don't be scared - diabetes can be treated and although it can be a lot to take in at first, if you do have it you'll get used to it and you'll be ok. It sounds like you might not have been feeling well for a while - diabetes can be one of these things that you don't know how bad you've been feeling untill you're feeling better and look back on it - if you do have it you should soon feel a lot better with treatment. Remember you're not alone, feel free to mail me (click on my name to the left) if you want to chat. Hope your results bring good news - good luck xx

Answer 8

You're doctor is attempting to rule out diabetes. It does not mean you have it. Illnesses, foods, and medications can effect a persons blood sugar level. Yours may have been temporarily elevated and effected the test you took. You could easily not be diagnoses with diabetes. Of course, you could also find out you do have a problem with diabetes. If you really think about it, it would be totally unprofessional for your doctor not to look further into an elevated blood sugar, because the truth of it is, you may need to make some changes to your life to live with diabetes, but it's much more harmful for you, if you don't know you have it.

Best of luck, and health.

Answer 9

Fasting blood tests are performed to get accurate results. There is no point in testing for diabetes on someone who has just drank a coffee with 2 sugars and eaten a doughnut.
As for diabetes, it would depend on your lifestyle, diet, age and fitness. Fasting blood tests are also done for Cholesterol as well for the same reason as stated above.

Answer 10

I have been a Diabetic for several years and can assure you that having a 'Fasting Blood Test' certainly doesn't mean you are diabetic. They can tell many different things from a fasting blood test and most of them are nothing to worry about. So keep cheerful and stop worrying until you have something to worry about. Things are rarely as bad as we think.