Fasting blood sugar levels are used to evaluate patients with symptoms of diabetes. A healthy individual’s level is between 70-99 mg/dL, but values can vary. Results above 125 mg/dL on two or more occasions indicate diabetes, while levels between 100-125 mg/dL are prediabetic. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can also occur in diabetic patients.
A fasting blood sugar level is the measure of blood sugar of individuals who have not eaten or drunk anything for at least eight hours before taking a fasting glucose test. This test is usually ordered by doctors to evaluate patients who have symptoms of diabetes. Diabetes is a medical condition mostly characterized by an increase in blood sugar. Its symptoms include increased frequency of urination, constant hunger and excessive thirst. Fasting blood glucose testing is also done regularly to monitor diabetic patients.
The predicted fasting blood sugar level of a healthy individual is usually between 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and 99 mg/dL. The values can, however, sometimes vary depending on the laboratory performing the test. A single test showing elevated fasting blood sugar is usually not enough to make a diagnosis of diabetes. Doctors often base their diagnosis on two or more abnormal fasting blood sugar results.
Testing for blood sugar is usually done by collecting a blood sample from the patient’s vein. You may experience discomfort and slight pain from the needle prick. The sample is then processed in the laboratory for determination of the patient’s fasting blood sugar level.
Results from 100 mg/dL up to 125 mg/dL are often diagnosed as prediabetes, a state in which fasting blood sugar has risen, but is not yet considered diabetes. Patients with these fasting blood sugar levels are often encouraged to review their lifestyle habits and make changes to prevent or delay the development of diabetes. These lifestyle changes include eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and losing weight.
If a patient’s blood tests show results above 125 mg/dL on two or more occasions, it is often an indication of diabetes. In addition to diabetes, other diseases that can raise fasting blood sugar include long-term kidney disease, pancreatic inflammation and cancer, and hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is the excessive release of thyroid hormone due to abnormal activities of the thyroid gland. Medications such as oral contraceptive pills, antidepressants, and corticosteroids can also affect an increase.
In patients with diabetes, measurements of decreased or low fasting blood sugar, below 70 mg/dL, may also be seen. This is commonly known as hypoglycemia. Common symptoms of hypoglycemia are sweating, intense hunger, rapid heartbeat, and weakness. When blood sugar gets very low, patients may become confused, lose consciousness or go into a coma.
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