Glucose assays in blood are of significant clinical interest for diagnosing, monitoring, and managing various conditions, particularly diabetes mellitus.

 Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) measures blood glucose after an overnight fast. An FPG level of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher on two separate occasions indicates diabetes.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) measures blood glucose two hours after ingesting a glucose-rich drink. A two-hour plasma glucose level of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher indicates diabetes.

Random Plasma Glucose Test measures blood glucose at any time of day without fasting. A random glucose level of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher, along with symptoms of hyperglycemia, suggests diabetes. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is critical for managing diabetes.

Maintaining blood glucose levels within target ranges helps reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications such as Retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. Blood glucose assays are crucial for detecting hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can cause symptoms like shakiness, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures or loss of consciousness.

Pregnant women are screened for gestational diabetes using blood glucose assays ;

Glucose Challenge Test (GCT): A preliminary screening test where blood glucose is measured one hour after consuming a glucose solution.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): A follow-up diagnostic test if the GCT results are abnormal.