What to Eat Before a Glucose Test: Best Foods and Tips

What to Eat Before a Non-Fasting Glucose Test?

Before choosing what to eat, make sure your glucose test type doesn’t require fasting. They are:

• Random Blood Glucose Test - Can be taken at any time of the day, no fasting required.
• Gestational Diabetes Screening (Glucose Challenge Test) - A one-hour test for pregnant women that doesn’t require fasting.
• Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test: Assesses average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months and does not require fasting.

 If you're unsure, check with your doctor.

Best Foods to Eat Before a Glucose Test

If your glucose test doesn’t require fasting, what you eat beforehand can still affect your results. You should keep blood sugar stable by choosing balanced meals with the right mix of nutrients.

“If your meal is balanced and contains carbohydrates, protein, and fiber-rich plant foods, plus some fats, you can see how this helps balance your blood sugar ”, notes dietitian Priya Tew for BBC.

This combination can help prevent sudden spikes or drops in blood sugar. Here’s what to include:

Complex Carbohydrates - Provide steady energy and avoid sugar spikes.

• Oatmeal
• Whole wheat bread
• Brown rice

Protein Sources - Help balance blood sugar levels.

• Chicken
• Eggs
• Tofu
• Fish

Healthy Fats - Slow down sugar absorption for better control.

• Avocado
• Nuts (almonds, walnuts)
• Olive oil

Fiber-Rich Foods - Support digestion and blood sugar stability.

• Vegetables (spinach, broccoli, bell peppers)
• Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans)

Foods to Avoid Before a Glucose Test

Some foods can cause blood sugar spikes, which may affect your test results. It’s best to skip these before testing:

• Sugary Foods and Drinks: Candy, soda, fruit juices, flavored yogurts
• Refined Carbs: White bread, pastries, sugary cereals
• Fried and High-Fat Meals: Fast food, deep-fried snacks, heavy cream-based dishes

A balanced meal a few hours before your test can help ensure accurate results and avoid unnecessary concerns about your blood sugar levels.

Which Glucose Tests Require Fasting?

The following tests require fasting (no food or drinks except water) for at least 8-12 hours before your appointment:

• Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) Test - Measures baseline blood sugar levels.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) - Some versions require fasting before drinking a glucose solution.
• Full Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) in Pregnancy - Checks for gestational diabetes, requiring fasting before testing.

Eating before these tests can lead to inaccurate results, so it’s important to follow fasting instructions carefully.

Other Considerations Before Your Glucose Test

• Some drugs can raise or lower blood sugar. Check with your doctor if you need to adjust them.
• Stress, infections, or hormonal issues may affect results.
• Intense workouts can temporarily lower blood sugar. Avoid heavy exercise right before your test.
• Poor sleep and anxiety can cause temporary spikes. Stay well-rested and relaxed.
• Drink plenty of water to help ensure an accurate reading.

A little preparation can go a long way in getting reliable test results!