S
%Begin Fasting blood sugar levels and testing Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe
Fasting blood sugar glucose Normal levels and testingMedically reviewed by Jenneh Rishe, RN — By Emily Cronkleton — Updated on August 10, 2022Fasting blood sugar levels give vital clues about how a person is managing their blood sugar. Blood sugar tends to peak about an hour after eating and declines after that. High fasting blood sugar levels point to insulin resistance or diabetes, while abnormally low fasting blood sugar can be due to diabetes medications.
visibility
964 views
thumb_up
12 likes
C
Knowing when to test and what to look for can help people stay healthy, especially if they have diabetes or are at risk of developing the condition. Keep reading to learn more about fasting blood sugar levels, including information on testing and tips for maintaining normal levels. Fasting blood sugar levels
Share on PinterestMaskot/Getty ImagesThe body needs glucose for energy, and glucose comes from the food a person eats.
thumb_up
16 likes
M
However, the body does not use all of this energy at once. Insulin makes it possible to store and release glucose as necessary.
thumb_up
8 likes
S
Following a meal, blood sugar levels rise and usually peak about an hour after eating. How high blood sugar rises and the precise timing of the peak depends on a person’s diet.
thumb_up
35 likes
E
Food-related factors that can trigger significant rises include:eating large mealsconsuming sugary foods and drinkseating foods with simple carbohydrates, or carbs, such as bread and sweet snacks
As blood sugar rises, the pancreas releases insulin. Insulin lowers blood sugar, breaking it down so the body can use it for energy or store it for later.
thumb_up
28 likes
G
However, people who have diabetes have difficulties with insulin in one of two ways. Those with type 1 diabetes do not produce enough insulin because their body attacks its insulin-producing cells.
thumb_up
9 likes
J
Those with type 2 diabetes do not respond well to insulin in their body and, later, may not make enough insulin. In both cases, people experience high blood sugar levels and have difficulty using glucose, or blood sugar. Fasting blood sugar depends on three factors:the contents of a person’s last mealthe size of their previous mealtheir body’s ability to produce and respond to insulin
Blood sugar levels between meals offer insight into how the body manages sugar.
thumb_up
36 likes
I
High levels of fasting blood sugar suggest the body was not able to lower blood sugar levels. This points to insulin resistance, inadequate insulin production, or in some cases, both.
thumb_up
45 likes
H
Very low blood sugar levels may indicate that diabetes medications are lowering the blood sugar too much. Testing
To assess fasting blood sugar levels, people or healthcare professionals can use a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test, a conventional blood sugar test, or continuous glucose monitoring.
thumb_up
4 likes
O
The HbA1c test
HbA1c is a test doctors use to assess overall blood sugar control. The HbA1c test measures how the body manages blood sugar over time, usually during the past 3 months.
thumb_up
28 likes
S
A person will undergo this test at a doctor’s office or in a lab. If levels are very high, the individual may need a second test. The results appear as a percentage.
thumb_up
4 likes
A
Blood sugar testing at home
A person can test their blood sugar levels at home. In most cases, doctors ask people to measure fasting blood sugar immediately upon waking and before they have anything to eat or drink.
thumb_up
25 likes
E
It may also be appropriate to test blood sugar before eating or 2 hours after a meal, which is when blood sugar returns to normal levels. The right time to test depends on treatment goals and other factors. For example, most people with diabetes do not need to test between meals unless they are using a diabetes drug that can lower blood sugar.
thumb_up
28 likes
B
Other people may test between meals if they feel their sugar levels may be low. Because people with type 1 diabetes do not make enough insulin, they need to test their blood sugar levels several times a day so they can adjust their insulin doses. A person will test blood sugar levels by:preparing the testing strip and glucose monitor to be ready for the blood sampleusing an alcohol swab to clean the testing area, which is usually the side of a fingertiplancing the testing area and bracing against a firm surface to help resist the impulse to pull awaysqueezing the testing area around the wound to maximize blood flowsqueezing a drop of blood onto the test stripputting the strip into the monitorrecording the time, blood sugar reading, and recent food intake in a log
Find out more about home blood sugar testing here.
thumb_up
10 likes
H
Continuous glucose monitoring
Another option for daily use is continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). For CGM, a person wears a monitor 24 hours a day.
thumb_up
35 likes
E
The monitor records their blood glucose levels on an ongoing basis. CGM can give a more accurate picture of a person’s levels and fluctuations throughout the day. However, this type of kit can be more expensive in some cases, depending on a person’s insurance coverage.
thumb_up
16 likes
J
Nonfasting tests
There are also nonfasting blood tests. These include the random plasma glucose (RPG) test and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
thumb_up
6 likes
A
For an RPG, a doctor does a conventional blood sugar test when a person is not fasting. For an OGTT, a healthcare professional tests a person’s blood sugar levels over 2 hours, starting with a fasting blood test.
thumb_up
1 likes
A
Next, the person drinks a sugary beverage, and the doctor takes a blood sample every 30–60 minutes over a 2-hour period. Target levels
Blood sugar target levels are the ideal range that people should try to maintain as often as possible.
thumb_up
5 likes
E
Because blood sugar levels vary throughout the day due to factors such as medications, food intake, and physical activity, no single blood sugar reading can reveal how well someone processes sugar. HbA1c results
According to the American Diabetes Association, the results of an HbA1c test will be one of the following:normal: less than 5.7%prediabetes: between 5.7% and 6.4%diabetes: 6.5% and over
Prediabetes is when blood sugar levels are higher than normal levels but not high enough to indicate diabetes.
thumb_up
42 likes
O
People can take measures to reverse prediabetes and stop diabetes from developing. Find out more here.
thumb_up
25 likes
N
Home testing
Doctors express target blood sugar numbers for people with diabetes in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) as follows:fasting (testing in the morning before food or water): 80–130 mg/dL2 hours after eating a meal: under 180 mg/dL
Meanwhile, for people without diabetes, target blood sugar levels are:fasting (testing in the morning before food or water): 72–99 mg/dL2 hours after eating a meal: under 140 mg/dL
For people with prediabetes, the goal is to reach the same target blood sugar levels as people without diabetes. However, the target numbers will vary between people. A healthcare professional will help a person identify their target levels.
thumb_up
40 likes
L
Fasting blood sugar test
Doctors consider a fasting blood sugar level of less than 99 mg/dL as normal. On the other hand, fasting blood sugar levels ranging from 100–125 mg/dL indicate prediabetes, and levels of 126 mg/dL or above indicate diabetes.
thumb_up
32 likes
W
Maintaining healthy levels
It is vital to follow a healthy diet to keep fasting blood sugar from rising too high. Strategies include:eating plenty of fiber-rich foodschoosing whole grain bread and pasta instead of white bread and pastaeating high-protein foods to increase feelings of fullness limiting sugar and salt intakechoosing nonstarchy vegetables
People who take diabetes medications and are at risk of dangerous blood sugar dips should follow a similar diet. They also must take proactive steps to prevent blood sugar from dropping.
thumb_up
3 likes
H
This includes:eating regular meals throughout the dayincreasing food intake and snack frequency during intense physical activityavoiding or limiting alcoholic beveragesconsulting a doctor if vomiting or diarrhea make it difficult to manage blood sugar
Symptoms of an imbalance
People are likely to experience symptoms if their blood sugar levels are too low or too high. Low blood sugar levels
Blood sugar that is too low can cause symptoms such as:shaking and sweatingfeeling jitterydifficulty concentratinglack of energyskin that looks paler than usualfatigue or tirednessheadaches or muscle achesfast or irregular heartbeatweaknesslack of coordination
In extreme cases, low blood sugar can trigger seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, and an inability to drink or eat. Find out more about hypoglycemia or low blood sugar here.
thumb_up
34 likes
I
High blood sugar levels
High blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia, can cause the following symptoms:increased hunger or thirstexcessive urinationblurred visionheadachetiredness
As with low blood sugar, high blood sugar may cause loss of consciousness or seizures if people do not get treatment. Persistent high blood sugar can increase the risk of serious complications that doctors relate to diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease.
thumb_up
42 likes
C
When to contact a doctor
Any significant change in blood sugar patterns warrants a visit to a doctor. People with diabetes and those at risk of diabetes should also speak with a doctor if:blood sugar levels become unusually high or lowwell-managed blood sugar levels suddenly start fluctuatingthey have new or worsening symptoms of diabetesthey change their medication or stop using itthey experience abnormally high blood pressurethey develop an infection or sore that will not heal
Diabetes needs ongoing monitoring, and the treatment can change over time. Information about diet and exercise is vital for a doctor to outline a proper treatment plan for each individual.
thumb_up
44 likes
S
People with diabetes can assist their doctor by keeping detailed logs of their blood sugar levels and any relevant information, such as changes in activity, medications, or sleep. They should talk with a doctor about dietary and lifestyle habits that affect their blood sugar levels. Summary
To manage diabetes, it is important to monitor and maintain healthy fasting blood sugar levels.
thumb_up
33 likes
O
For people with prediabetes, managing blood sugar levels can help reverse the condition and prevent the development of diabetes. People who have diabetes or prediabetes need to test their blood sugar levels regularly and record their results. They should talk with a doctor if they notice any changes or unusual symptoms.
thumb_up
7 likes
A
Last medically reviewed on August 10, 2022DiabetesType 1Type 2 13 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles.
thumb_up
10 likes
D
You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Blood glucose testing and management: Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose). (n.d.).https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/blood-glucose-testing-and-control/hyperglycemiaDevice technology: Better blood glucose meters and more. (n.d.).https://www.diabetes.org/tools-support/devices-technologyDiabetes diet, eating, & physical activity.
thumb_up
36 likes
R
(2016).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/diet-eating-physical-activityDiabetes tests. (2021).https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/getting-tested.htmlLow blood glucose (hypoglycemia).
thumb_up
8 likes
K
(2021). https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/low-blood-glucose-hypoglycemiaLow blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). (2020).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/low-blood-sugar-hypoglycaemia/Manage blood sugar.
thumb_up
32 likes
A
(2021).https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/manage-blood-sugar.htmlRecipes & nutrition: Eat good to feel good. (n.d.).https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/recipes-nutrition/eating-wellThe A1C test & diabetes. (2018).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/tests-diagnosis/a1c-testThe big picture: Checking your blood glucose.
thumb_up
49 likes
T
(n.d.).https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/blood-glucose-testing-and-control/checking-your-blood-sugarThota, S., et al. Insulin.
thumb_up
36 likes
J
(2022).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560688/Understanding A1C: Diagnosis. (n.d.).https://www.diabetes.org/a1c/diagnosisYour diabetes care schedule.
thumb_up
19 likes
E
(2021).https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/care-schedule.htmlFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Jenneh Rishe, RN — By Emily Cronkleton — Updated on August 10, 2022
Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise
Related CoverageThirteen foods that won't raise blood glucoseMedically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, M.S., R.D., L.D., CDE
Almost all foods contain amounts of sugar.
thumb_up
10 likes
S
Some is natural, but some are artifical and harmful. In cases of prediabetes, where blood sugar levels are…READ MOREFoods and drinks to avoid with diabetes
Eating healthy can help people with diabetes manage their symptoms and prevent complications.
thumb_up
17 likes
S
Learn more about which foods to eat and which to avoid.READ MOREWhat are the ideal blood glucose levels?Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI
A blood sugar chart can help a person know if their glucose levels are within a suitable range. If a person has diabetes, a doctor will make a plan to…READ MOREWhat to know about low blood sugar in the morningMedically reviewed by Maria S.
thumb_up
14 likes
E
Prelipcean, MD
Blood glucose levels drop during the night, which means that people with diabetes may experience low blood sugar in the mornings. This is called…READ MOREHow to prevent type 2 diabetes: Six useful stepsMedically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, M.S., R.D., L.D., CDE
What are the risks factors for developing type 2 diabetes, and how can we prevent it?
thumb_up
21 likes
Z
Some factors such as blood sugar levels, body weight, fiber…READ MORE
thumb_up
3 likes
Similar Discussions
-
How to get rare bundles in Free Fire MAX this week
-
Metz 2022 Hubert Hurkacz vs Lorenzo Sonego preview head to head prediction odds and pick Moselle Open
-
People will never forget this day Tennis fans lavish praise on Carlos Alcaraz for lifting maiden Grand Slam trophy at US Open 2022
-
Are Apollo Nida and Sherien Almufti Still Together?
-
Flames Jacob Markstrom Starts Saturday
-
Cardi o Heart Monitoring APK Download for Android
-
Vital Stats Aussie Rules Footy APK Download for Android
-
Le cimentier Lafarge payera 778 millions de dollars aux tats Unis pour soutien l EI Am riques tats Unis
-
Splinternet une fragmentation qui menace l internet ouvert News
-
Votre chat sait o vous tes sans vous voir et voici comment Has Diapo
-
La regla del 60 60 c mo evitar quedarse sordo por el uso excesivo de los auriculares Regla 60 60
-
Elon Musk s Twitter deal could tank the leveraged buyout market
-
Missouri town giving away free steering wheel locks in response to spike in Kia Hyundai car thefts
-
FF7 Remake hits Steam on June 17 Steam Deck support confirmed
-
Tommy Fury mocks Jake Paul as an easy fight and wants to prove it
-
Thor wins Eddie Hall fight by unanimous decision recap amp highlights
-
How to Get Bounty EXP in Tower of Fantasy The Nerd Stash
-
I Combined People With Nature For Mental Health Awareness
-
10 Best Men s Clothing Products to Sell in 2021
-
192 168 1 3 IP Address for Local Networks
-
2022 Mercedes Benz E Class All Terrain Trims amp Specs Prices MSRP CarBuzz
-
This Is When The Maserati Ghibli Hybrid Will Debut CarBuzz
-
Mercedes Teases Four Door AMG GT Following Panamera Reveals CarBuzz
-
Braised chicken with mushrooms and pearl onions Mayo Clinic
-
Información sobre calidad Minnesota Sobre nosotros Mayo Clinic
-
Cirugía estética de senos Mayo Clinic
-
Two Sisters One Diagnosis and a Breast Self Care Line Everyday Health
-
Mason City Iowa Obituaries
-
Nabisco Discontinued Products
-
Kings Row Reno