Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Is 110 mg/dL a Cause for Concern?

Elevated blood sugar levels?

Hello: Due to my father's diabetes, I occasionally use his blood glucose meter to check my own blood sugar levels.
About a month ago, my fasting blood sugar was consistently around 65-75, and sometimes even in the fifties.
However, today, on a whim, I checked my blood sugar (around 10 AM) and it surprisingly reached 110! This has made me anxious about potential blood sugar issues.
The night before, I had a larger lunch, so I skipped dinner (I hadn't eaten anything since around 2 PM), and I went jogging and brisk walking for 1.5 hours in the evening, during which I only drank water, totaling about 700-800 milliliters before going to bed.
In the morning, I was quite busy and didn't drink any water, and I measured my blood sugar around 10:30 AM.
I'm wondering if the elevated level could be related to the previous day's exercise, sweating, and insufficient water intake? Since I was quite anxious, I checked my blood sugar again about 2.5 hours after lunch today.
I had been drinking water throughout lunch and the afternoon, totaling about 1000 milliliters, and my blood sugar dropped to 68.
Could this be related to the increased water intake? Am I experiencing abnormal blood sugar levels? Given my family history, I have always been cautious, and I'm puzzled as to why my fasting blood sugar, which was consistently in the sixties a month or two ago, suddenly spiked to 110.
I hope you can provide some clarity.
Thank you!

Joi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/04/17

Dr. Huang Yuru reply Nutrition

Hello, the regulation of blood glucose in the human body is quite delicate.
In addition to obtaining glucose from food, the liver and muscles can also release glucose to raise blood sugar levels.
Generally, exercise and hydration can help control blood sugar and are unlikely to cause elevated levels.
Prolonged fasting without food intake can lead to gluconeogenesis in the liver and muscles, producing glucose to maintain blood glucose homeostasis.
Blood sugar levels, much like blood pressure, can vary at any given moment.
If you are concerned, you may visit a metabolic clinic to have your hemoglobin A1c tested or undergo an oral glucose tolerance test.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2017/04/17

More Info

Understanding blood sugar fluctuations can be quite concerning, especially when there is a family history of diabetes. In your case, measuring a blood sugar level of 110 mg/dL after fasting for a significant period and engaging in physical activity raises some questions, but it is essential to interpret this value in context.

Firstly, let's clarify what constitutes normal blood sugar levels. According to the American Diabetes Association, normal fasting blood glucose levels are typically less than 100 mg/dL. Levels between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL are classified as "prediabetes," while levels of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests indicate diabetes. Therefore, a reading of 110 mg/dL falls into the prediabetic range, which means it is a cause for some concern, but it does not necessarily mean you have diabetes.

Your previous readings of 65-75 mg/dL are well within the normal range, and the sudden spike to 110 mg/dL could be attributed to several factors. One possibility is the timing of your last meal and your physical activity. You mentioned that you had a larger meal the previous day and then did not eat after 2 PM, followed by a 1.5-hour exercise session. This could have led to fluctuations in your blood sugar levels. When you exercise, your body uses glucose for energy, which can lower blood sugar levels. However, if you do not eat enough, your body may respond by releasing glucose from the liver, which can cause a temporary spike in blood sugar levels, especially if you are under stress or have not hydrated adequately.

The fact that you measured your blood sugar again after lunch and found it to be 68 mg/dL is reassuring. This indicates that your body is capable of regulating blood sugar levels effectively after you have consumed food and rehydrated. Drinking water can help dilute blood sugar levels, but it is not the sole factor in determining blood sugar readings.

Given your family history of diabetes, it is wise to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are some recommendations:
1. Regular Monitoring: Continue to check your blood sugar levels at different times of the day, including fasting and post-meal readings. This will help you identify patterns and fluctuations.

2. Dietary Considerations: Pay attention to your carbohydrate intake, especially refined sugars and processed foods. A balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help stabilize blood sugar levels.

3. Hydration: Ensure you are drinking enough water throughout the day, especially before and after exercise.

4. Physical Activity: Regular exercise is beneficial for blood sugar control. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, along with strength training exercises.

5. Consult a Healthcare Professional: Given your family history and the recent fluctuations in your blood sugar levels, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian. They can provide personalized advice and may recommend further testing, such as an HbA1c test, to assess your average blood sugar levels over the past few months.

In conclusion, while a blood sugar level of 110 mg/dL is a point of concern, it is essential to consider it in the context of your overall health, lifestyle, and family history. By taking proactive steps and monitoring your health, you can manage your risk of developing diabetes effectively.

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