Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Test in Bengaluru - Price & Details

A fasting blood sugar (FBS) test measures the level of glucose in your blood after you have not eaten or consumed calorie-containing beverages for at least 8 to 12 hours.

Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which blood sugar levels remain consistently high. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar) or when the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin. Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide and has become a rapidly growing global health concern, largely due to modern lifestyle factors. The FBS test is one of the most commonly recommended tests to screen for prediabetes and diabetes, and may also be used to monitor blood sugar levels in people already diagnosed with diabetes. The test requires a small blood sample, usually collected from a vein in your arm, after overnight fasting. Since food intake can temporarily increase blood glucose levels, fasting helps provide a more accurate assessment of your body’s baseline blood sugar level. Early detection through an FBS test allows timely lifestyle changes and treatment, which can help prevent or delay diabetes-related complications.

An FBS test may be recommended if you:

Have risk factors for type 2 diabetes, such as:

• Age 35 years or older
• Overweight or obesity
• Family history of diabetes
• High blood pressure or heart disease
• Previous gestational diabetes
• Physical inactivity
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Prediabetes

Have symptoms suggestive of high blood sugar, such as:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Slow-healing wounds
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

Have prediabetes or diabetes, and your doctor wants to monitor fasting blood glucose.

• If your doctor wants to monitor the efficiency of the diabetic medicines that you have been taking.
• Are taking medicines that may increase blood sugar (such as corticosteroids or certain antipsychotic medicines), if your doctor wants to assess their effect.
• People undergoing routine health check-ups or diabetes screening as recommended by their healthcare provider.
• As part of the routine pregnancy panel.

An FBS test may aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of the following conditions:

• Prediabetes: Identifies blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus: Helps diagnose diabetes in people with symptoms or those at increased risk.
• Type 1 diabetes mellitus: May support the diagnosis when symptoms are suggestive, although additional tests are usually required.
• Hypoglycaemia: May identify abnormally low blood sugar levels in people who have fasted, particularly those taking diabetes medications such as insulin or sulfonylureas. However, an FBS test is not the preferred test for diagnosing hypoglycaemia in people with symptoms, as blood glucose should ideally be measured at the time symptoms occur.
• Blood sugar abnormalities: Detects abnormal fasting blood sugar levels related to certain medications or hormonal disorders, when interpreted along with other clinical findings. These include medicines such as corticosteroids or certain antipsychotic medicines, disorders of the pancreas, kidney, liver, thyroid, and adrenal glands, and stress-related conditions such as chronic illness, surgery, trauma, and other hormonal conditions.

What to Expect Before the Fasting Blood Sugar Test

• Fast for 8 to 12 hours before the test, preferably overnight. Do not eat or drink anything except plain water during this period.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plain water, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test, as it may affect blood sugar levels.
• Avoid strenuous exercise before the test, as intense physical activity can temporarily alter blood glucose levels.
• Take your regular medicines only as advised by your doctor.
• Inform your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
• Schedule the test in the morning, if possible, to make fasting easier and ensure more consistent results.

What to Expect During the Blood Collection

• A trained phlebotomist will clean the skin with an antiseptic and collect a small blood sample from a vein in the arm using a sterile needle.
• The procedure usually takes only a few minutes and may cause mild discomfort or a slight pinching sensation.

What to Expect After the Fasting Blood Sugar Test

• Mild throbbing at the site may be felt after the blood is drawn. You may feel light-headed, which will pass in a few moments.
• You can have food immediately after the test, unless otherwise instructed.
• Once the blood sample is collected, it is sent to a laboratory for analysis, where your fasting blood sugar levels are tested. Once the report is ready, you can access it on PharmEasy's online portal.

Note: If you notice anything unusual at the puncture site, such as persistent bleeding, rashes, or pain, consult your healthcare provider.

In an FBS test, the primary parameter measured is

• Fasting Blood Glucose Level

Important note: Normal ranges may vary slightly between laboratories. Refer to the ranges printed on your specific report. Always consult your doctor for interpretation of the results.

Potential Risks and Complications

• The FBS test is generally safe with minimal risk. Mild pain, slight bleeding, or bruising may occur at the blood draw site. Dizziness or light-headedness may occur sometimes, which will pass in a few minutes. Occasionally, vein access may be difficult, or infection may occur. Avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous exercise for at least 4 to 6 hours.

Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Test Limitations

• You must fast for 8 to 12 hours before the test, which may not be convenient for everyone.
• The test reflects your blood sugar level only at the time of sample collection and does not show how your glucose levels vary throughout the day.
• Some people with normal fasting blood sugar may still have abnormal blood sugar levels after meals. Additional tests, such as an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) or HbA1c, may be needed.
• Illness, stress, medications, vigorous exercise, or not following fasting instructions may affect the test result.
• Further evaluation and additional tests may be required to determine the reason for high or low blood sugar.

The fasting blood glucose test is priced at around ₹119 in Bengaluru, though the exact cost can vary based on offers. To better understand the pricing differences, you can compare the FBS test costs across major cities in India.

You can book a Fasting Blood Sugar Test in Bengaluru through PharmEasy with convenient home sample collection across several localities, including :

• Indiranagar
• Koramangala
• HSR Layout
• Whitefield
• Marathahalli
• Electronic City
• Jayanagar
• JP Nagar
• Banashankari
• BTM Layout
• Yelahanka
• Hebbal
• Malleshwaram
• Rajajinagar
• Basavanagudi
• Bellandur
• Mahadevapura
• KR Puram
• Kalyan Nagar
• Richmond Town

You can also check service availability during purchase by entering your pin code.