Random Blood Sugar (RBS)
Sample Type
Blood
Tube Type
Fluoride Tube
Fasting Required
No
Lab
Serum
Test Result Interpretation
RBS Level (mg/dL) | Interpretation | Possible Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
< 140 mg/dL | Normal | Normal glucose metabolism |
140 – 199 mg/dL | Prediabetes / Impaired Glucose Tolerance (borderline) | Increased risk of diabetes; requires further testing |
≥ 200 mg/dL | Diabetes Mellitus (probable) | Suggests diabetes; especially if accompanied by symptoms (polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss) |
< 70 mg/dL | Hypoglycemia | May indicate excess insulin, medication effect, or other metabolic issues |
Risk Assessment
An RBS ≥ 200 mg/dL along with classic symptoms of diabetes (frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss) is considered diagnostic of diabetes.
If RBS is abnormal but the patient is asymptomatic, confirmatory tests such as Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) or Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) are recommended.
RBS is convenient for emergency settings or initial screening but should be interpreted cautiously due to its variability.