What can happen if a patient does not fast before a glucose test?

Fasting before a glucose test is crucial because it ensures that the blood glucose levels are measured under baseline conditions, without the influence of recent food intake. If a patient does not fast, the glucose levels in the blood can be significantly affected by whatever they have eaten, leading to inaccurate results. This can result in false readings, potentially misguiding healthcare professionals regarding the patient's glucose metabolism, diagnostic, and treatment decisions.

Inaccurate blood glucose levels may lead to misdiagnosis of conditions such as diabetes or hypoglycemia, which can have serious implications for a patient's health management. Hence, it is essential for patients to adhere to fasting requirements to achieve reliable and valid test results.