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

Fasting blood sugar (FBS), also called fasting blood glucose, is a simple blood test that evaluates your baseline or lowest blood glucose levels at a fasting state. This test requires 8 to 12 hours of fasting, preferably overnight. It is advised for people who have symptoms of high blood sugar, high-risk groups, or as part of routine screening.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps glucose move from the bloodstream into cells for energy. When the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin or the body cannot use it effectively, persistently high levels of sugar remain in the blood, leading to a chronic condition known as diabetes. Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide and is associated with serious complications if left unmanaged. Type 2 diabetes accounts for the majority of cases, while type 1 diabetes is more commonly diagnosed in children and young adults. Diabetes also occurs during pregnancy, known as gestational diabetes. Sometimes, people who take certain medications for a long time may also develop this condition. One of the major challenges in combating diabetes is timely diagnosis, as many individuals remain unaware of their condition until complications develop. In India, about half the people suffering from the disease do not know their diabetic status.

Fasting blood sugar (FBS) is done when a doctor needs to screen for, confirm, or keep track of problems with how the body handles glucose, particularly diabetes and prediabetes. The FBS test is commonly advised in these situations:

• Routine screening, especially in those with risk factors: People aged 45 and above, being overweight or obese, sedentary lifestyle, a family history of diabetes, polycystic ovary disease, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, or heart disease.
• Symptoms of high blood sugar: Excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, issues with eyesight, impaired healing of wounds, or altered sensations in the limbs.
• Follow‑up monitoring: To monitor sugar and diet control and to check if medications are working appropriately or whether they should be adjusted, in individuals already diagnosed with diabetes.
• Gestational diabetes: As a part of the antenatal panel for screening during pregnancy.
• Prediabetics: To monitor whether there is improvement or decline in their blood sugar control and to plan lifestyle and diet modifications for prevention.
• Routine testing: As part of health check‑ups, wellness packages, or pre‑operative assessments.

• Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2).
• Prediabetes.
• Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar): in those taking medications for diabetes.
• Gestational diabetes screening: initial screening test in pregnancy, though the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is the confirmatory test.
• Metabolic syndrome.
• Monitoring the efficiency of medications for diabetes.
• Underlying conditions: may flag conditions affecting glucose regulation, such as pancreatic, liver, or hormonal disorders, though confirmatory tests and correlation with symptoms are required.
• Certain medications: To check the effect of certain long-term medications, such as certain antipsychotics and corticosteroids, on blood sugar.

What to Expect Before the Fasting Blood Sugar Test

• An overnight fasting period of 8 to 12 hours is advised before the test. You may have plain water, but refrain from having any other beverages like juices, tea, coffee, etc.
• Since it’s more convenient to fast overnight, preferably book the test in the early morning.
• Ensure that you do not have large variations in your diet, such as low-carb or high-sugar diets, in the days leading up to the test. Have a regular, balanced diet.
• Avoid vigorous exercises, alcohol, smoking, or chewing tobacco the day before the test.
• If you take diabetes medications or take medicines that can change blood glucose, check with your doctor beforehand about whether to take them as usual or adjust the timing or dose before the test.

What to Expect During the Blood Collection

• A trained phlebotomist will arrive at your home at the stipulated time.
• A small blood sample will be collected from a vein in your arm using a sterile needle after the skin is cleaned with an antiseptic. You may feel a slight pricking sensation.
• The procedure usually takes only a few minutes.

What to Expect After the Fasting Blood Sugar Test

• Soon after the test, you can have normal food, beverages, and regular medications.
• Mild throbbing may be felt for a few minutes after the blood is drawn. Occasionally, you may feel dizzy, in which case you may lie down for a while until the feeling passes.
• The blood sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis, and results are usually made available within a few hours, which can be downloaded from the PharmEasy platform. Depending on the findings, additional investigations may sometimes be recommended by your doctor for further evaluation.

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 a routine blood test and is considered safe with very minimal risk. Some individuals may experience mild discomfort, minor bruising, or slight bleeding at the site where blood is drawn. Occasional dizziness or light-headedness may also occur in some cases.
• In rare instances, there may be difficulty in locating a suitable vein, or a very small possibility of infection at the puncture site.

Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Test Limitations

• Since the FBS measures blood sugar at a fasting state, it may not detect impaired glucose control in people in whom glucose levels increase abnormally after meals.
• Stress, sudden illnesses, poor sleep, smoking, alcohol, recent strenuous exercise, or not fasting properly can affect the result.
• FBS cannot measure average blood sugar control over the past few months, unlike HbA1c test.
• If the result is borderline, the test may have to be repeated or HbA1c or OGTT has to be done.

The fasting blood glucose test is priced at around ₹119 in Gurgaon, 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 the Fasting Blood Sugar Test in Gurgaon through PharmEasy with convenient home sample collection across several localities, including :

• DLF Phase 1
• DLF Phase 2
• DLF Phase 3
• DLF Phase 4
• DLF Phase 5
• Udyog Vihar
• Sector 23
• Sector 44
• Sector 67
• Sector 70
• Sushant Lok
• Sector 5
• Palam Vihar
• Nirvana Country
• Sector 14
• Sector 31
• Sector 46
• Sector 49
• Sector 56
• Sector 57

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