Is a Blood Sugar Level of 120 a Sign of Diabetes Risk?

Q: Is a Blood Sugar Level of 120 a Sign of Diabetes Risk?

Hello： A fasting blood sugar level of 120 is slightly elevated, but it does not yet meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes. <br>However, since both of your parents have diabetes, your risk of developing diabetes in the future is significant. <br>This is not closely related to

A blood glucose level of 120 mg/dL indicates that you may be at risk for developing diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, a fasting blood glucose level of 100 to 125 mg/dL is classified as prediabetes, which increases the likelihood of progressing to type 2 diabetes. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation

I had a blood sugar test two days ago while fasting, but I drank some distilled water.
The result was 120, and the doctor said it was slightly high but normal.
I need to go for another test in three months, but I'm starting to worry because there is a family history of diabetes; both my parents have it.
I would like to ask the doctor:
1.
Is a blood sugar level of 120 something I should be concerned about regarding my diet? Is it okay to drink commercially available unsweetened green tea?
2.
Does drinking distilled water or being in the first couple of days after my menstrual period affect blood sugar levels?
3.
I had a test a year ago that showed a level of 87, which was considered normal.
Could my daily consumption of milk tea have influenced my blood sugar levels?
4.
I experience numbness in my legs, and the rehabilitation department said it is due to sciatica, but I am worried it might be related to my elevated blood sugar levels.

5.
I am planning to get pregnant; is that advisable?

Ms. Chen, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/10/23

Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine

Hello: A fasting blood sugar level of 120 is slightly elevated, but it does not yet meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes.
However, since both of your parents have diabetes, your risk of developing diabetes in the future is significant.
This is not closely related to drinking distilled water or milk tea, and currently, no symptoms are expected.
If you are pregnant, you should undergo screening for gestational diabetes.

Reply Date: 2006/10/23

More Info

A blood sugar level of 120 mg/dL, especially when measured after fasting, is indeed a point of concern, particularly given your family history of diabetes. While it does not meet the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis, it does fall into the category of "impaired fasting glucose" or "prediabetes," which indicates an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Here’s a detailed breakdown of your questions and some additional context regarding diabetes risk and management.

1. Dietary Considerations: A blood sugar level of 120 mg/dL suggests that you should indeed pay attention to your diet. Consuming a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables can help manage blood sugar levels. Drinking unsweetened green tea is generally a good choice, as it contains antioxidants and has been associated with various health benefits. However, be cautious with any added sugars or high-calorie additives.

2. Impact of Distilled Water and Menstrual Cycle: Drinking distilled water should not significantly affect your blood sugar levels. However, hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle can influence blood sugar levels due to changes in insulin sensitivity. It’s essential to monitor your blood sugar consistently, especially around your menstrual cycle, to understand how your body responds.

3. Previous Blood Sugar Levels: A previous fasting blood sugar level of 87 mg/dL is within the normal range. The increase to 120 mg/dL could be attributed to various factors, including dietary changes, stress, lack of physical activity, or even the consumption of high-sugar beverages like milk tea. Regular monitoring and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help stabilize your blood sugar levels.

4. Numbness and Tingling in the Feet: The numbness in your feet could be related to several factors, including nerve compression, such as in sciatica, or it could potentially be a sign of early nerve damage related to diabetes (diabetic neuropathy). While your current blood sugar level is not diagnostic of diabetes, it is crucial to monitor your symptoms and discuss them with your healthcare provider, especially given your family history.

5. Pregnancy Considerations: Planning for pregnancy is an exciting time, but it’s essential to ensure that your blood sugar levels are well-managed before conception. Women with prediabetes or diabetes are at higher risk for complications during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes. It is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider to develop a plan that includes monitoring your blood sugar levels and possibly undergoing screening for gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

In summary, while a blood sugar level of 120 mg/dL is not a definitive diagnosis of diabetes, it is a warning sign that should not be ignored, especially with your family history. It is crucial to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, and to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and monitoring. Regular check-ups can help catch any changes early and allow for timely interventions to prevent the progression to diabetes.

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