The fasting plasma glucose (FPG) blood test is a blood test that measures the level of glucose in your blood after an overnight fast of at least 8 hours. This test is commonly used to screen for diabetes or prediabetes, as it measures the amount of sugar (glucose) present in your blood when you have not eaten for a period of time.

To prepare for the test, you will be asked to fast for at least 8 hours prior to the test. This means that you should not eat or drink anything except for water during this time. Your healthcare provider may also advise you to avoid certain medications that can affect blood glucose levels prior to the test.

During the test, a healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from your arm and send it to a laboratory for analysis. The results of the test are reported as the amount of glucose (measured in milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL) present in your blood.

A fasting plasma glucose level of less than 100 mg/dL is considered normal, while a level between 100 and 125 mg/dL is considered prediabetes. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.

The FPG blood test is a simple and relatively inexpensive test that can be done at a doctor’s office or lab. It is often used as an initial screening test for diabetes or prediabetes. However, it is not a comprehensive measure of blood glucose control, as it only provides a snapshot of glucose levels at one point in time. Other tests, such as the A1C blood test, may be used in conjunction with the FPG test to provide a more complete picture of blood glucose control.

Overall, the FPG blood test is a useful tool for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes and prediabetes. If you have concerns about your blood glucose levels, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about whether a fasting plasma glucose test or other blood glucose tests may be appropriate for you.