Blood sugar, also known as glucose, is a primary source of energy for the body’s cells. It comes from the food consumed and circulates in the bloodstream to fuel muscles, organs, and the brain. Blood sugar levels naturally change throughout the day and night based on various factors. While a single reading provides a snapshot, its interpretation requires context and is not sufficient for a definitive medical diagnosis.
Understanding Blood Sugar Readings
Interpreting a blood sugar reading like 116 mg/dL depends on whether the measurement was taken after a period of fasting or after eating. Fasting blood sugar levels are measured after at least eight hours without food or drink, except water. A normal fasting blood sugar level is below 100 mg/dL.
A fasting blood sugar reading between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL is categorized as prediabetes, indicating elevated glucose levels not yet diagnostic of diabetes. A fasting blood sugar of 116 mg/dL falls within this prediabetes range. Diabetes is diagnosed when fasting blood sugar levels are 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate occasions.
For non-fasting or post-meal measurements, the ranges differ. A normal blood sugar level two hours after eating is less than 140 mg/dL. A reading between 140 mg/dL and 199 mg/dL two hours after a meal suggests prediabetes. If a non-fasting blood sugar level is 200 mg/dL or higher, it may indicate diabetes. A 116 mg/dL reading taken randomly or after a meal would be considered within the normal range.
Factors Influencing Blood Sugar
Dietary intake impacts blood sugar levels, particularly the type and quantity of carbohydrates consumed. Foods rich in simple carbohydrates, such as sugary drinks and refined grains, can cause a rapid increase in blood glucose. Complex carbohydrates, found in whole grains and vegetables, lead to a more gradual rise.
Physical activity also plays a role in blood sugar regulation. Exercise helps muscles absorb glucose from the bloodstream, which can lower blood sugar levels. However, intense or prolonged exercise can elevate blood sugar due to the body’s stress response.
Stress and illness can cause the body to release hormones that elevate blood sugar levels. During times of physical or emotional stress, the body may produce more glucose to provide energy for a “fight or flight” response. Certain medications, like corticosteroids, can increase blood sugar as a side effect.
Hydration levels can influence blood sugar concentration; dehydration can make blood sugar appear higher due to increased concentration. The time of day a reading is taken is also important, as blood sugar naturally fluctuates throughout the 24-hour cycle, often being lowest in the morning after fasting.
When to Be Concerned and Next Steps
A blood sugar reading of 116 mg/dL, especially if it was a fasting measurement, warrants discussion with a healthcare professional. This level suggests prediabetes, a condition with elevated blood glucose not yet at the threshold for type 2 diabetes. Early detection of prediabetes allows for interventions that can prevent or delay the progression to full-blown diabetes.
A doctor may recommend further tests to assess overall glucose control, such as a glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. The A1C test provides an average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), which involves measuring blood sugar before and two hours after drinking a sugary solution, may also be performed.
Lifestyle adjustments are recommended to manage blood sugar levels and address prediabetes. Adopting a balanced diet that emphasizes whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting processed sugars and refined carbohydrates is beneficial. Regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, supports glucose metabolism. Maintaining a healthy body weight and practicing stress reduction techniques also contribute to better blood sugar management.