Glucose at a Glance

Fasting Glucose

70 mg/dL to 99 mg/dL		Normal
100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL		Prediabetes
≥ 126 mg/dL		Diabetes

Random Glucose (no fasting beforehand)

< 100 mg/dL		Normal
100 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL		Prediabetes
≥ 200 mg/dL		Diabetes

2-hour Glucose

< 140 mg/dL		Normal
140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL		Prediabetes
≥ 200 mg/dL		Diabetes

Glucose is a form of sugar and your body’s main source of energy. Your body makes glucose from carbohydrate-rich foods like bread, fruit, vegetables and dairy products. If your glucose level is too high, you could develop type 2 diabetes. If it’s too low, you may have hypoglycemia.

The American Diabetes Association recommends that people 45 and older have their glucose checked every three years. If your glucose levels are borderline or high, you should have a fasting blood sugar test performed once every year. However, because type 2 diabetes is becoming more prevalent among younger people, including children, McDowell Hospital strongly recommends having your glucose level checked starting in your twenties.

Risk factors for diabetes

• Overweight or obesity
• Physical inactivity
• A parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
• Aging, especially after 45
• Race – African Americans, Hispanics, and American Indians have a significantly greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Depression
• Gestational diabetes

Preventing type 2 diabetes

• Maintain a healthy diet – Eat nutrient-rich foods that are high in fiber and low in saturated fat, trans fat and salt. Make sure the carbohydrates you consume are from whole grains, fruit and vegetables, and not from sugary sweets like soda, cookies and candy.
• Get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on most or all days of the week.
• Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products.
• Drink only in moderation – one drink or less a day for women; two drinks or less a day for men.