January 2022 — Eating Enlightenment

If you are like most people, you probably don’t think much about your blood sugar until it spikes or dips and you feel nauseous or incredibly fatigued as a result.And even then, you might only focus on how to get it back to a healthy level as quickly as possible.But off-kilter blood sugar levels are the precursor to diabetes and other digestive and kidney diseases.We all know in our modern culture that we have easy access to sugar and often eat way too much!Instead of remaining ignorant of your blood sugar level, a simple blood sugar reading can give you valuable information.By better understanding your blood glucose levels, you can also get information about your diet and what kind of changes would be good for your long term health.If you’re concerned about your long term health, it’s definitely worth exploring blood glucose tests and understanding how they work.In this article, we discuss three of your best lab blood glucose test options on the market.A great idea is to always consult with your doctor first. If you have insurance, they may help you cover the costs.Keep reading if you simply want to order a blood glucose test over the internet so that you may get a fast blood draw from your local lab.We may receive a small commission if you order using some, but not all, of the links below. This helps keep the Eating Enlightenment CBT Food Journal App free for it’s hundreds of users.If you want more info on supplements – including risks and general FDA guidelines – please see our “Supplements and Vitamins – Ultimate Beginner’s Guide”.Why lab blood tests and not at-home tests?While there are other ways to measure your blood sugar levels – like a test strip, blood sugar meters or continuous glucose monitor – in this article we focus on blood glucose tests.If you have diabetes, at-home test kits for blood sugar may help control the diabetes risk as well as prevent complications.It’s easier to check blood sugar in a portable electronic device called a blood sugar measure by just taking some blood samples. Most people prefer a home kit for diabetes management. There are also test strips, blood glucose monitoring devices and other glucose meters.However, the lab blood test options above are more accurate and this is why in this article we only cover the blood glucose level tests.We also are planning a blog post review of the best at-home diabetes test kits in the future!Criteria For Best Lab Blood Glucose TestsTest Glucose DirectlyIn each of the tests below, the service is explicitly glucose. Sometimes glucose is tested with other blood markers, but this usually increases the price.Certified Labs:We looked at blood test providers that had been certified by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). We also looked at each service’s third-party evaluations and Better Business Bureau ratings.Convenience:We scoured the internet for websites that provide thorough explanations of tests, offer results in a simple-to-understand format, enable you to track your health progress as you order additional tests, and provide rapid results.Best Price: Ulta WellnessPrice = $6# of Labs in US = 2000# of Reviews = 2728Average Rating = 4.9/5Better Business Bureau Rating = A+Ulta Wellness offers the lowest price for a serum glucose test – just $6.Additionally, Ulta Wellness has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) after having been accredited for eight years.Only two consumer complaints have been filed against them during the previous eight years, both of which were handled.Order Ulta WellnessBest For Most Locations: Health LabsPrice = $28# of Labs in US = 4500# of Reviews = 15,500Average Rating = 96%Better Business Bureau Rating = A+Health Labs serum blood glucose test is relatively low in terms of price.Importantly, Health Labs also has the most labs of all blood testing services, so odds are highest you’ll be able to find a lab location near you.Finally, the Better Business Bureau has given Health Labs an A+ rating after 11 years in business.Order Health LabsBest For Plasma: True Health LabsPrice = $29# of Labs in US = 2000# of Reviews = N/AAverage Rating = 5/5Better Business Bureau Rating = A+We couldn’t find aggregate collection reviews for True Health Labs.However, BBB gives True Health Labs a BBB rating of A= after being in business for more than 10 years.If you are looking for a plasma glucose blood test, as opposed to the above options which are serum based, True Health Labs offers the lowest price – $29.Other options for plasma cost around $60-$90.Order True Health LabsWhat is Glucose?Glucose is a primary source of energy for the body, and it is made up of one molecule of carbon, one oxygen atom, and four hydrogen atoms.Glucose is what’s commonly known as blood sugar.Blood sugar levels must be maintained at a certain level in order for the brain and nervous system cells to function.Symptoms of High Or Low Blood SugarHigh glucose is when you have too much sugar in your blood, and it’s a common indicator of diabetes.Low glucose is when there isn’t enough sugar in your blood, and this can also be a sign of diabetes.Diabetes really messes with your blood and that’s one of the reasons to invest in blood glucose testing!Other signs that you have high or low blood sugar include:feeling very thirstyhaving to go to the bathroom oftenfeeling very tired or weakhaving blurry visionexperiencing a sweet or fruity smell on your breathhaving sores that don’t healPeople Who Benefit Most From Glucose TestingThere are a few types of people who benefit most from glucose testing.People who benefit most from continuous glucose monitoring include:pregnant womenpeople with high blood pressure or heart diseasethose who take medication for diabetesIn addition, anyone who consistently experiences the symptoms of high or low blood sugar should also test their blood sugar levels.Testing your blood sugar daily is an important part of managing your diabetes.While we’ve outlined some of the best blood sugar tests available, please remember there are other ways to get blood sugar readings, such as a blood glucose meter or a test strip.These other tools are great for more continuous glucose monitoring, but if you want to get the most accurate results for a baseline, then a blood draw is best.Third Party Resources:Better Business Bureau for Ulta WellnessBetter Business Bureau for Walk-In LabsWalkin Lab verified reviewsBetter Business Bureau for Health LabsBetter Business Bureau for True Health LabsThe American Diabetes Association has an abundance of resources about diabetes as well.ConclusionBlood sugar tests are essential for people with diabetes, as well as those who experience the symptoms of high or low blood sugar.There are a few types of cheap blood sugar tests available like test strips. The lab tests are more expensive but are more accurate, and they give you more information. The best ones for you will depend on your individual needs.We’ve outlined some of the best and accurate ways to test your blood sugar here, but please remember to talk to your doctor or a representative from the American Diabetes Association if you have any questions or concerns.Testing your blood sugar is an important part of managing your diabetes, so be sure to get started today!Read here to learn more important information about the best blood tests for your heart.

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