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Real members of DiabetesTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

When you have diabetes that includes glucose variablility including many hypos day or night how are you supposed to fast for labwork?

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Halifax, NS

I need to do a whole panel of bloodwork before I see the endocrinologist and it all requires fasting including insulin level cpeptide etc. I am getting up in the night to eat normally now.

2 days ago
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DiabetesTeam

Managing fasting for lab work when dealing with frequent low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is genuinely tricky, and it's great that an endocrinologist appointment is already lined up — that's exactly the right specialist for this situation.

The most important step is to contact the endocrinologist's office *before* the lab Show Full Answer

Managing fasting for lab work when dealing with frequent low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is genuinely tricky, and it's great that an endocrinologist appointment is already lined up — that's exactly the right specialist for this situation.

The most important step is to contact the endocrinologist's office *before* the lab work and explain the glucose variability and nighttime hypos. They can provide specific guidance on how to approach the fast safely, and may even be able to adjust the timing or order of tests. Here are some general tips that may help when fasting with hypoglycemia risk:

- Monitor blood sugar frequently — a CGM can be especially helpful to catch drops early
- Schedule the blood draw first thing in the morning — this shortens the effective fasting window since sleep counts as fasting time
- Keep fast-acting glucose nearby — glucose tablets, a sugary drink, or a snack should be on hand in case of a hypo
- Stop fasting and eat if blood sugar drops dangerously low — safety always comes first, even if it means rescheduling

If a hypo does happen overnight and eating is necessary, be upfront with the lab about it. The endocrinologist will want accurate information, not a result skewed by a dangerous low.

2 days ago
A DiabetesTeam Member

@A DiabetesTeam Member
AI gave some great advice. Please don't put yourself in danger. I have seen some of your low numbers. Like . AI suggested, be upfront with your Endocrinologist and lab. Better to be safe than sorry. I had to reschedule my colonoscopy a few times. Just because I bottomed out and had to eat.

2 days ago

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