Blood sugar (glucose) is the primary sugar in your bloodstream and the body’s main energy source. It comes from the foods you eat, which your body breaks down and releases into the bloodstream. When glucose levels rise, the pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that helps glucose enter cells for energy. Blood sugar levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day, and maintaining healthy levels is important for overall well-being.
Deciphering Blood Sugar Levels
Understanding blood sugar levels often involves interpreting results from a fasting blood glucose test, taken after not eating or drinking for at least eight hours. A normal fasting blood sugar level is below 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Levels between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL indicate prediabetes, meaning levels are higher than normal but not yet diabetes. A reading of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests typically indicates diabetes.
A fasting blood sugar reading of 105 mg/dL falls within the prediabetes range. This means blood sugar levels are elevated, increasing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes occurs when the body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin (insulin resistance) or the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. While a single reading is a snapshot, it indicates that lifestyle adjustments may be beneficial.
Prediabetes often has no clear symptoms, making regular testing important for those at risk. The A1C test provides an average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. An A1C result between 5.7% and 6.4% also indicates prediabetes.
Influences on Blood Sugar Readings
Numerous factors can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate throughout the day, making a single reading a snapshot rather than a complete picture. Dietary intake significantly impacts blood sugar, particularly carbohydrates, which are broken down into glucose and rapidly enter the bloodstream after meals. The type and quantity of food consumed directly influence how high and how quickly blood sugar levels rise.
Physical activity also plays a role, as muscles use glucose for energy, which can lower blood sugar levels during and after exercise. However, intense workouts can sometimes temporarily increase blood sugar due to the release of stress hormones. Stress hormones can generally elevate blood sugar by stimulating the liver to release more glucose.
Certain medications can affect glucose levels, potentially increasing blood sugar. Time of day influences blood sugar due to natural circadian rhythms. Additionally, dehydration can lead to higher blood sugar readings as it concentrates glucose in the bloodstream.
Guidance Following a 105 Reading
A fasting blood sugar reading of 105 mg/dL warrants discussion with a healthcare provider. They may recommend a re-test or an A1C test to assess average blood sugar over a longer period. This helps determine if the elevated level is consistent or an isolated occurrence.
Lifestyle modifications are a primary approach to managing prediabetes and can often help return blood sugar levels to a normal range. Adopting a balanced diet, focusing on whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of non-starchy vegetables, while limiting refined sugars, processed foods, and sugary drinks, is important. Incorporating regular physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity.
Weight management is another impactful step, as losing even a small percentage of body weight can reduce the risk of progressing to Type 2 diabetes. Stress reduction, adequate sleep, and consistent hydration also benefit metabolic health. Your healthcare provider can offer personalized advice and suggest ongoing monitoring to track progress. Early intervention can help prevent the progression to Type 2 diabetes.