Glucose tests measure the amount of glucose (blood sugar) in a person’s system. There are several types of glucose tests. They generally involve a blood sample taken from the patient and analyzed to measure the amount of glucose present in the bloodstream.

Some types of glucose tests indicate whether or not the patient has diabetes. In other situations, physicians may use glucose tests to monitor the progression of diabetes or the level of metabolic control maintained by a patient. These tests can also help uncover other illnesses, such as thyroid, adrenal or pituitary disorders. 

The various tests have particular strengths, such as detecting prediabetes, diagnosing gestational diabetes, evaluating the treatment plan or monitoring pregnancy.

Glucose tests cause patients little discomfort. Blood is usually drawn from a vein located along the inner elbow or on the back of the hand. In some forms of testing, patients are required to modify their diet before the test.