Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: What You Need to Know

Health examination red flags

Hello doctor, I recently had a health check-up for my part-time job, and the report showed a fasting blood glucose level of 106.
However, none of my relatives have a history of related illnesses, and my blood pressure, BMI, and waist circumference are all normal.
I used to be an athlete and exercised regularly, but I haven't eaten breakfast for nearly six months.
Could this affect my blood sugar levels? Currently, I am abroad and it is inconvenient for me to have a follow-up test.

xuesheng, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/01/26

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Dear Student,
1.
According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association:
a.
Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL after fasting for at least 8 hours,
b.
Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test,
c.
HbA1c ≥ 6.5% (this must be confirmed by a method that is certified by the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program (NGSP) and meets the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) standards).
The above criteria a, b, and c must be confirmed by two separate tests.

d.
If there are clinical symptoms of diabetes (such as polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, weight loss, etc.), a single plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL is sufficient for diagnosis.
2.
Generally, a normal fasting plasma glucose level is less than 100 mg/dL.
If it is between 100 mg/dL and 126 mg/dL, it is considered prediabetes or impaired fasting glucose.
If postprandial glucose is greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL, diabetes should be suspected.
3.
Your fasting glucose level is 106 mg/dL, which may indicate mild impaired fasting glucose.
This could be due to overeating recently or lack of exercise.
In fact, individuals with a family history of diabetes, obesity, a history of gestational diabetes, women who have given birth to infants weighing over 4 kg, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, unexplained weight loss, or wounds that heal poorly are at risk for diabetes.
If none of these apply to you, there is no need to panic.
Increasing physical activity, reducing the intake of refined foods, especially avoiding overeating and high glycemic index foods, ensuring adequate sleep, and moderate weight loss can improve blood glucose levels.
Mild diabetes can improve to impaired glucose tolerance, and impaired glucose tolerance can revert to normal.
This means that the development of diabetes is not an all-or-nothing event or sudden; it is a gradual process.
Therefore, it is essential to consistently change lifestyle habits, dietary practices, and maintain regular exercise.
4.
You can follow up in three months.
However, if you experience symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased appetite, weight loss, or slow-healing wounds, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.

Reply Date: 2023/01/26

More Info

Understanding elevated fasting blood sugar levels is crucial, especially as they can be indicative of potential health issues, including prediabetes and diabetes. In your case, a fasting blood sugar level of 106 mg/dL falls into the category of "prediabetes," which is defined as a fasting blood sugar level between 100 and 125 mg/dL. This means that while you are not yet diagnosed with diabetes, you are at an increased risk of developing it in the future.

Several factors can influence fasting blood sugar levels, and it’s important to consider these in your situation. Firstly, your history as an athlete and your previous regular exercise routine are positive factors. Regular physical activity is known to improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels. However, you mentioned that you have not eaten breakfast for about six months, which could potentially affect your blood sugar levels. Skipping meals can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar, as the body may respond differently to fasting periods, especially if you are not consuming enough carbohydrates or calories throughout the day.

Additionally, stress and sleep patterns can also impact blood sugar levels. If you are currently experiencing stress or have irregular sleep patterns, these could contribute to elevated blood sugar readings. Stress hormones, such as cortisol, can increase blood sugar levels by promoting gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources) in the liver.

Another consideration is your dietary habits. If your meals are not balanced or if you consume high amounts of refined carbohydrates and sugars, this could lead to spikes in blood sugar levels. It’s essential to maintain a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables to help manage blood sugar levels effectively.

Since you are currently abroad and unable to retest your blood sugar levels, it would be advisable to monitor your diet and lifestyle closely. Here are some recommendations:
1. Dietary Adjustments: Focus on a balanced diet that includes complex carbohydrates (like whole grains), lean proteins (such as chicken, fish, legumes), and healthy fats (like avocados and nuts). Avoid excessive intake of sugary foods and beverages.

2. Regular Exercise: If possible, try to incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, along with strength training exercises on two or more days a week.

3. Hydration: Ensure you are drinking enough water throughout the day, as dehydration can also affect blood sugar levels.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to how you feel. If you experience symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or blurred vision, it may be worth seeking medical advice sooner rather than later.

5. Follow-Up Testing: Once you are able to return home, consider scheduling a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider to recheck your fasting blood sugar levels and possibly conduct an HbA1c test, which provides a more comprehensive view of your blood sugar control over the past two to three months.

In summary, while a fasting blood sugar level of 106 mg/dL is concerning and indicates prediabetes, lifestyle modifications can significantly impact your blood sugar levels. By focusing on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and overall healthy habits, you can help manage your blood sugar and reduce the risk of developing diabetes in the future. If you have further concerns or questions, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional when you have the opportunity.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Concerns

Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing elevated fasting blood glucose levels during my annual company health check-ups, typically ranging from 97 to 102 mg/dL. My postprandial blood glucose levels are around 92 to 100 mg/dL, and my hemoglobin A1c is consistently at 5.3%. I am 18...

Dr. Lin Wuxuan reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Your fasting blood glucose level is elevated, which can generally be classified as Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG). It is recommended to choose a diet with a low Glycemic Index (GI) to help improve your elevated fasting blood glucose levels. Additionally, you may want to co...

Managing Elevated Blood Sugar: Tips for Diet and Health Monitoring

Hello Doctor, my fasting blood sugar is 110 mg/dL, glycated hemoglobin is 5.7%, blood urea nitrogen is 10 mg/dL, creatinine is 0.72 mg/dL, and liver function tests show alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at 8 U/L. I understand that my fasting blood sugar is elevated. What should I pa...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Wu: 1. After undergoing these tests, your physician should have explained the results to you. Please make sure to consider the recommendations of the physician who has personally examined you. 2. Your fasting plasma glucose level is 110 mg/dL, which indeed exceeds the ...

Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Concerns

On October 14, 2021, I went to the emergency room due to discomfort from vaccine side effects, around 8 PM after dinner, feeling very anxious (due to chest pain). The emergency department recorded a blood glucose level of 171. A few days later, on October 18, I visited a clinic f...

Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Fasting blood glucose greater than 100 mg/dL or hemoglobin A1c greater than 5.6% indicates prediabetes. Low-dose mirtazapine is not commonly associated with hyperglycemia. Maintaining proper dietary control and lifestyle adjustments is key. Thank you for your inquiry.

Understanding Temporary High Blood Sugar Levels: What You Need to Know

Today, we conducted an experiment and found that my blood sugar level was approximately 270 mg/dL. However, I had breakfast that day, and I did not experience symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, or increased appetite. Could this be temporary? Thank you!

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, a patient is diagnosed with diabetes if the results of two tests conducted at different times meet one of the following three criteria: (1) Fasting plasma glucose level >= 126 mg/dL after fasting for at least 8 hours. (2) Clinical symptoms ...