Blood glucose, or blood sugar, is the body’s primary energy source, derived mainly from carbohydrates in food. Monitoring these levels is fundamental for overall health, as they naturally fluctuate throughout the day in response to meals and physical activity.
Defining Blood Glucose Levels
Understanding blood glucose readings requires familiarity with the different types of tests and their associated ranges. Three common tests provide insight into glucose levels: Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), Random Plasma Glucose (RPG), and the HbA1c test. Each test measures glucose differently, reflecting either a snapshot in time or an average over a period.
The Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test measures blood sugar after an overnight fast, typically for at least eight hours. A normal FPG result is less than 100 mg/dL. Levels between 100 and 125 mg/dL indicate prediabetes, while a reading of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests suggests diabetes.
A Random Plasma Glucose (RPG) test can be taken at any time. A level less than 140 mg/dL is generally considered normal. A random reading of 200 mg/dL or higher, especially when accompanied by symptoms, often indicates diabetes.
The HbA1c test, also known as glycated hemoglobin, provides an average blood glucose level over the past two to three months. This test measures the percentage of hemoglobin in red blood cells that has glucose attached to it. An HbA1c below 5.7% is considered normal, 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher on two separate tests is diagnostic of diabetes.
Interpreting a 113 mg/dL Reading
A blood glucose reading of 113 mg/dL carries different implications depending on the test type and context. This number requires careful interpretation, as understanding when the test was taken and recent food intake is crucial for accurate assessment.
If 113 mg/dL is a Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) reading, taken after at least eight hours without food, it falls into the prediabetes range (100 to 125 mg/dL). This indicates impaired fasting glucose, meaning blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. This condition suggests an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Conversely, if 113 mg/dL is a Random Plasma Glucose (RPG) reading, taken at any point during the day, it is generally considered within the normal range (less than 140 mg/dL). A single random reading of 113 mg/dL is not usually a cause for immediate concern.
Influences on Glucose Results
Blood glucose levels are dynamic and can be affected by various factors beyond food intake. These influences can cause readings to fluctuate, sometimes temporarily elevating or lowering glucose levels.
Recent food consumption, especially carbohydrates, can impact a blood glucose reading. Physical activity helps the body use glucose more efficiently and can lower blood sugar. Stress, whether physical or emotional, can lead to increased blood glucose due to hormone release.
Illness or infection can cause blood sugar levels to rise as the body releases hormones to fight it. Certain medications, such as steroids, can affect glucose levels. Dehydration, time of day, and sleep quality also influence how the body manages blood sugar.
Next Steps for Glucose Management
Receiving a blood glucose reading of 113 mg/dL, particularly if it was a fasting result, warrants proactive glucose management. Consulting a healthcare professional is the first action for a proper diagnosis and personalized recommendations based on your health profile.
A single blood glucose reading is not sufficient for a definitive diagnosis. A doctor may recommend additional testing, such as a repeat fasting glucose test, an HbA1c test, or an oral glucose tolerance test. These follow-up tests confirm initial findings and determine if an elevated reading is persistent or isolated.
Lifestyle modifications are recommended to manage blood glucose, especially if prediabetes is indicated. A balanced diet, emphasizing whole foods and limiting refined sugars and processed carbohydrates, is beneficial. Regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, improves glucose utilization. Weight management, stress reduction, and adequate sleep also contribute to better glucose control.