Blood glucose, commonly known as blood sugar, is the primary sugar found in your blood and serves as the body’s main source of energy. It originates from the carbohydrates in the food consumed and is transported through the bloodstream to fuel cells throughout the body. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is important for overall health, as both excessively high or low levels can disrupt bodily functions.
Defining Blood Sugar Levels
The body carefully regulates blood sugar levels through a complex system involving hormones like insulin, which helps glucose enter cells for energy. Blood sugar levels are measured using several common tests, each with specific criteria for interpretation. A fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test measures blood sugar after an overnight fast of at least eight hours. For this test, a normal reading is typically below 100 mg/dL. A fasting blood glucose level between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes. A result of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.
Another diagnostic tool is the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), where blood sugar is measured before and two hours after drinking a sugary liquid. A normal two-hour OGTT result is below 140 mg/dL, while 140 to 199 mg/dL suggests prediabetes, and 200 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes. The A1C test provides an average blood sugar level over the past two to three months; an A1C below 5.7% is normal, 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher suggests diabetes.
Interpreting Your 109 mg/dL Reading
A fasting blood sugar reading of 109 mg/dL falls within the prediabetes range. This means your blood glucose levels are elevated above normal but are not yet high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. This condition suggests that the body’s ability to manage blood sugar is becoming less efficient, potentially due to insulin resistance, where cells do not respond effectively to insulin.
Prediabetes often presents without noticeable symptoms, but it indicates an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and associated complications, including heart disease, kidney issues, and nerve damage. A single blood sugar reading is not a definitive diagnosis. Healthcare professionals confirm a prediabetes diagnosis with repeat testing or additional assessments, such as an A1C test, to ensure accuracy. Understanding the context of the test, such as whether it was taken after fasting or a meal, is also important for accurate interpretation.
Next Steps for Blood Sugar Management
A 109 mg/dL fasting blood sugar reading indicates the need to consult a healthcare professional. They can confirm the diagnosis and provide personalized recommendations based on your overall health profile. Lifestyle modifications are key to managing prediabetes and can help normalize blood sugar levels. These changes can also help delay or prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes.
Dietary adjustments are a key component of blood sugar management. Reducing intake of refined sugars and processed foods, while increasing fiber-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, and non-starchy vegetables, can positively affect blood sugar levels. Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and helps muscles use glucose for energy. Aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, is a common recommendation. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight can substantially reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Ongoing monitoring and adherence to these lifestyle changes are important for long-term blood sugar health.