A high fasting blood sugar level may indicate signs of hyperglycemia or diabetes. In individuals with diabetes, diabetes can be diagnosed if the fasting blood glucose level is usually 126 mg/dL or higher. A low fasting blood sugar level may indicate hypoglycemia and lead to health problems. Keeping fasting blood sugar level under control is an important part of a healthy metabolism and effective management of diabetes. For this reason, it is important that individuals at risk of diabetes or those with diabetes regularly monitor their fasting blood sugar levels and follow the treatment plan recommended by their healthcare professionals.
What is fasting sugar?
Fasting sugar is the medical term for blood sugar measured in fasting state. Blood sugar or glucose is a type of sugar that is the energy source of body cells. Fasting glucose is the blood sugar level measured after a person has been fasting for a certain amount of time after their last meal. Fasting glucose is usually measured in the morning on an empty stomach. A normal fasting glucose should usually be between 70 and 99 milligrams/dL (mg/dL). However, reference ranges used in laboratories may vary, so it is important to consult your doctor.
Blood sugar levels that are lower or higher than normal can indicate health problems. Low fasting sugar (hypoglycemia) usually occurs in a non-diabetic state and may cause symptoms such as hunger, sweating, restlessness, and dizziness. High fasting sugar (hyperglycemia) can often be a symptom of diabetes and can lead to serious long-term health problems. High or low fasting sugar levels should be evaluated by a doctor and the appropriate treatment plan determined. If you have diabetes, it is important to monitor your fasting sugar levels regularly and you should follow your doctor’s recommended treatment plan.
What should fasting sugar be?
Fasting glucose is the blood sugar level usually measured in the morning on an empty stomach. A normal fasting glucose should usually be between 70 and 99 milligrams/dL (mg/dL). However, reference ranges used in laboratories may vary, so it is important to consult your doctor. However, the generally accepted blood sugar values are as follows:
- Normal: 70-99 mg/dL
- Prediabetic: 100-125mg/dL
- Diabetes: 126 mg/dL and above
The prediabetic range indicates the risk of having high fasting sugar levels and increases the risk of developing diabetes. Diabetic range is used to diagnose diabetes. These values may vary between each laboratory or doctor. The important thing is that your fasting sugar levels are evaluated by your doctor and the diagnosis or treatment plan is determined accordingly. If your fasting glucose results are higher or lower than normal, your doctor may perform further testing and evaluation.
What is the fasting sugar limit?
The fasting glucose limit is a reference value used to define prediabetic and diabetic conditions. Fasting glucose limits may vary between laboratories and physicians. That’s why it’s important to discuss your values with your doctor and determine your diagnosis and treatment plan based on your specific situation. Below are the commonly accepted fasting sugar limits:
- Normal Fasting Sugar: Normal fasting glucose should usually be between 70 and 99 milligrams/dL (mg/dL). These values indicate that you have a healthy metabolism.
- Prediabetic Fasting Sugar: The prediabetic range indicates the risk of having high fasting sugar levels. Prediabetic fasting glucose is usually between 100 and 125 mg/dL. These values indicate an increased risk of diabetes and is a condition your doctor may recommend you monitor or take preventative measures.
- Diabetic Fasting Sugar: Diabetic fasting sugar can be an indicator of diabetes. Diabetes is diagnosed when a fasting glucose measurement of 126 mg/dL or higher is obtained once. Diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are consistently high and requires appropriate treatment and management.
How should the fasting and postprandial blood sugar value be?
There is a difference between fasting and postprandial blood sugar values. In people with diabetes, postprandial blood sugar targets are usually more tightly controlled and determined by the treatment plan. These target values are determined individually and are determined by the doctor depending on the person’s condition and treatment goals. Remember that the reference ranges used in laboratories may vary and the goals set by your doctor are the most appropriate for you. If you have doubts or concerns, it is best to talk to your doctor. General accepted values for both:
Fasting Blood Sugar:
Fasting blood sugar is the blood sugar level usually measured in the morning on an empty stomach. A normal fasting blood sugar should usually be between 70 and 99 milligrams/dL (mg/dL). These values indicate that the metabolism is stable when the body is hungry.
Postprandial Blood Sugar:
Postprandial blood sugar is the blood sugar level measured after a certain time after eating the last meal. In a healthy individual, postprandial blood glucose should generally not exceed 140 mg/dL 2 hours after a meal. However, some experts recommend that the postprandial blood glucose value should remain below 120 mg/dL. Post-meal blood glucose values in these ranges reflect a healthy glucose metabolism.
How is fasting blood sugar measured?
Fasting blood glucose measurement is done using a blood test to determine the blood sugar level. In general, fasting blood glucose measurement is carried out as follows:
- Fasting blood glucose measurement is usually done in the morning on an empty stomach. A fasting period of 8 to 12 hours is usually recommended after a nightly meal. So you should not eat anything before taking the measurement. Only water is allowed to drink.
- A blood sample is taken by a healthcare professional for measurement. This typically involves a drop of blood taken by piercing your skin with a small needle next to a finger. Alternatively, sometimes blood may be drawn from a vein in the arm or elbow area.
- The blood sample taken is analyzed using a glucometer or laboratory test. The glucometer is a portable device for obtaining fast results. Lab tests can provide a more comprehensive assessment, but may take a little longer to get results.
- The blood glucose level obtained as a result of the measurement is usually expressed in units of milligrams/dL (mg/dL). The result is evaluated by the doctor or healthcare professional to determine if it is within the normal range or outside of the normal range.
Your doctor will set fasting blood glucose targets that are right for you, based on your health, diabetes history, or other factors. It is important to regularly monitor your measurements and share the results with your doctor.
Why does blood sugar drop?
Blood sugar refers to the level of glucose in the body. Low blood sugar is called hypoglycemia in medical terms. Symptoms of hypoglycemia may include feelings of hunger, sweating, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, tremors, irritability, blurred vision, and weakness. If you think you have hypoglycemia, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Hypoglycemia can usually occur as a result of one or more of the following causes:
- Prolonged Hunger or Malnutrition: In cases of prolonged fasting or in the absence of adequate food intake, blood sugar may drop. Especially in people with diabetes, prolonged fasting period or insufficient carbohydrate intake can lead to hypoglycemia.
- Excess Insulin or Incorrect Dosage: Insulin is frequently used in the treatment of diabetes. However, overdose or incorrect use of insulin can cause low blood sugar. Insulin increases glucose entry into cells by lowering blood sugar levels. However, excessive use of insulin can lower blood sugar levels below normal.
- Physical Activity and Exercise: Physical activity and exercise increase the body’s use of energy and can lower blood sugar. While exercising, the body uses glucose as an energy source and blood sugar may drop. This can occur especially if adequate food intake is not made during physical activity or if insulin or antidiabetic medications are not properly adjusted in people with diabetes.
- Certain Diseases or Conditions: Hypoglycemia may be associated with some health problems such as some hormonal disorders, kidney or liver diseases, pancreatic disorders and endocrine system problems. In addition, alcohol use, certain drugs, or certain metabolic conditions can also cause hypoglycemia.
What are the symptoms of low blood sugar?
Low blood sugar is called hypoglycemia in medical terms. Symptoms of hypoglycemia can be mild or severe. If you’re experiencing symptoms of low blood sugar, it’s important to take appropriate steps right away, such as eating or drinking something (for example, juice, a sugary snack) or taking a medication such as glucagon. It is important to see a healthcare professional to manage your symptoms of hypoglycemia and determine the underlying cause. Symptoms of hypoglycemia can vary from person to person, but the following common symptoms can be seen:
- Feeling of Hunger: When blood sugar drops, the body may react with a feeling of hunger and a desire to eat may occur.
- Sweating: Hypoglycemia often leads to sweating. Sweating helps regulate body temperature, so excessive sweating may occur during hypoglycemia.
- Fast Heartbeat: Low blood sugar can increase heart rate. In the case of hypoglycemia, rapid or irregular heartbeats may be felt.
- Dizziness or Headache: When blood sugar drops, enough glucose may not reach the brain. This, in turn, can cause symptoms such as dizziness or headaches.
- Shake: Tremors or muscle twitches may be felt in the hands, feet, or body. This is due to the lack of glucose going to the muscles due to hypoglycemia.
- Nervousness or Restlessness: Low blood sugar levels can cause feelings of irritability, restlessness, irritability, or anxiety.
- Blurred Vision: Hypoglycemia can cause blurred vision or make it difficult to focus.
- Fatigue and Fatigue: Low blood sugar leads to a lack of energy, and the person may experience weakness, fatigue and a general feeling of weakness.
- Dizziness or Fainting: Low blood sugar levels may not provide enough oxygen to the brain, and dizziness or fainting may occur.