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Glucose - Fasting Blood Test is done to measure the levels of glucose in blood during period of fasting.

Glucose is the main source of energy for body. Carbohydrates consumed in the diet are broken down in the body to glucose, which is absorbed by the intestines and transported by the blood to various organs. The cells of these organs utilize the glucose to produce energy when required, and the excess is stored either as glycogen in the liver for short-term storage or in fat tissues as triglycerides for long-term storage. The uptake, utilization, and storage of glucose after it is absorbed in the intestines is facilitated by the hormone- insulin which is secreted by the pancreas. Insulin influences the transport of glucose to the organs like heart, brain, working muscles, etc. It also directs storage of excess glucose. The action of insulin reduces sugar levels in the blood.

After a meal, sugar levels increase in blood and insulin is secreted in response to reduce sugar levels until it becomes normal. If glucose levels fall too low in blood, another pancreatic hormone called glucagon is released, which directs the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose and releases it into the blood. The insulin and glucagon hormones create a feedback mechanism to keep blood glucose levels within the normal range. Imbalance in their activity causes an excess or shortage of blood sugar.