fasting plasma glucose

fasting plasma glucose (FPG),

a measurement of the concentration of glucose in the plasma after the patient has not eaten for at least 8 hours. See also blood glucose test.

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glucose (gloo´kōs),

n a six-carbon (hexose) sugar that is the principal sugar in blood and serves as a major metabolic source of energy.

glucose, casual plasma,

n the amount of glucose in the blood at any time, unrelated to eating.

glucose, fasting plasma (FPG),

n a self-administered test of blood glucose levels for diabetes patients. The blood is tested after at least 8 hours of fasting. If results of the test are consistently at or above 126 mg/dL, the patient is commonly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus.

glucose meter,

n an electronic device used to measure blood glucose levels that can be used by a patient at home. The device provides an accurate reading of blood glucose level with only a drop of blood from a pricked finger.

glucose oxidase,

n an antibacterial flavoprotein enzyme obtained from
P. notatum and other fungi. It is antibacterial in the presence of glucose and oxygen.

glucose, postprandial plasma,

n the level of glucose in the blood plasma based on a sample of blood taken after ingesting a meal; used to diagnose diabetes.

glucose tolerance, impaired,

n one category of oral glucose tolerance test results. The diagnosis is not necessarily indicative of diabetes, but the patient may be at risk of diabetes mellitus and heart disease.

glucose tolerance test,

n a metabolic test that measures the ability of the body to metabolize carbohydrates. A patient is administered a standard dose of glucose, and blood and urine samples are measured for glucose levels at periodic intervals following administration. It is most often used to assist in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.