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Laboratory Tests

This section provides detailed information on a wide range of laboratory tests relevant to women's medicine

A rapid reference

Glucose

Glucose is the primary source of energy in the body.

It can be absorbed directly from dietary glucose, or obtained from other sources (eg, splitting complex carbohydrates into individual glucose molecules).

Glucose in the blood doesn't actually provide for any energy needs: The glucose must cross into the cell (an insulin-dependent process) before it can be metabolized. Diabetics, who are insulin-deficient, usually have plenty of glucose, but they can't metabolize it within the cells because they don't have enough insulin.

Glucose levels may rise in the presence of:

  • Diabetes
  • Pancreatitis
  • Acute stress reactions
  • Pheochromocytoma
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Brain injury
  • Liver disease

Glucose levels may fall in the presence of:

  • Excessive insulin administration
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Sepsis
  • Addison's disease

Normal Values*

Fasting

Men 70-110 mg/dl 3.9-6.1 mmol/L
Women 75-115 mg/dl 4.2-6.4 mmol/L
Pregnancy 60-105 mg/dl 3.3-5.8 mmol/L

2-Hour Post-Prandial

Men-Women <140 mg/dl <7.8 mmol/L

Pregnancy - Post 50 G Glucose Load

Screening  <135 mg/dl <7.5 mmol/L

Pregnancy - Post 100 G Glucose Load

Fasting 95 mg/dl 5.3 mmol/L
1-Hour 180 mg/dl 10.0 mmol/L
2-Hour 155 mg/dl 8.6 mmol/L
3-Hour 140 mg/dl 7.8 mmol/L

If two or more of these values are exceeded, gestational diabetes is present.

*These are general values taken from a variety of sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one type of testing protocol to another.
Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300