Blood Sugar Levels: Interpreting Your Test Results

Inquiry about blood sugar issues?

Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you a question.
During my company's health check-up this year, the HR department informed me that fasting was not required.
Therefore, I had breakfast on the day of the check-up and had my blood drawn about an hour after eating.
The test results showed a "pre-meal blood sugar of 144," which exceeds the standard range.
Given that I had breakfast that day, is this test result accurate? Does it indicate an abnormal blood sugar level?

A-Liang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/20

Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine

Hello, if any of the following three criteria are met (at least twice), a diagnosis of diabetes can be made:
a.
Fasting plasma glucose level equal to or greater than 126 mg/dL.

b.
Presence of classic diabetes symptoms (such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, and weight loss) along with a random plasma glucose level equal to or greater than 200 mg/dL.

Normal fasting blood glucose levels are between 70 and 110 mg/dL, and blood glucose levels two hours after eating should be less than 140 mg/dL.
You do not meet the criteria for diabetes, so please do not worry.
Please pay attention to your diet and maintain regular exercise.
Next time, please follow up with a true fasting (8 hours without eating) blood glucose test; it should be fine.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2015/08/20

More Info

When interpreting blood sugar levels, especially in the context of a recent health check-up, it's crucial to understand the implications of the testing conditions and the results obtained. In your case, you mentioned that you had breakfast about an hour before your blood test, which is significant for understanding your blood sugar reading.

Firstly, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) defines normal fasting blood glucose levels as less than 100 mg/dL. A reading between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL indicates impaired fasting glucose, often referred to as prediabetes. A reading of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests is indicative of diabetes. Since you reported a blood sugar level of 144 mg/dL after eating, this reading is categorized as postprandial (after meal) blood glucose rather than fasting blood glucose.

Postprandial blood glucose levels are typically expected to rise after eating. For most individuals, a normal postprandial blood glucose level should be less than 180 mg/dL two hours after eating. However, since you had your blood drawn only about an hour after breakfast, your reading of 144 mg/dL is not necessarily alarming, but it does warrant further investigation. It is important to note that the timing of the blood draw in relation to your meal can significantly affect the results.
Given that you ate before the test, your blood sugar level could be considered within an acceptable range for a post-meal reading. However, if your blood sugar levels remain consistently elevated, or if you have additional risk factors for diabetes (such as family history, obesity, or sedentary lifestyle), it may be prudent to follow up with further testing. This could include a fasting blood glucose test, an oral glucose tolerance test, or measuring your HbA1c levels, which provide an average of your blood sugar levels over the past two to three months.

In summary, while your reading of 144 mg/dL is above the normal fasting range, it is not necessarily indicative of diabetes on its own, especially since it was taken shortly after a meal. It is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your results in detail, especially considering your dietary habits and any symptoms you may be experiencing. They may recommend additional testing or lifestyle modifications to help manage your blood sugar levels effectively.
In addition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and weight management can significantly impact your blood sugar control. If you have concerns about your blood sugar levels or diabetes risk, proactive discussions with your healthcare provider can help you navigate your health journey effectively.

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