How Do I Do A Fasting Lab?

 You should fast for at least 10 hours when asked to fast.  You cannot eat solids, but you may drink water during the fasting period.  Try not to chew gum, smoke, or exercise the morning of your test.  Caffeine, which is absorbed into the system at an incredible rate, can temporarily raise blood sugar levels and make for an inaccurate FBS reading. Moreover, the chemical composition of roasted coffee beans is nearly 40 percent sugar (in the form of polysaccharides). Drinking coffee will stimulate the pancreas to excrete insulin which can then throw off your test results.  It is best not to take your medications the morning of your test.  For diabetics, it is recommended that you do not take your diabetic medication prior to fasting as your blood sugars may drop.

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